Stephanie Kontouros

Kevin RankerReacting to the recent slate of endorsements for Ken Henderson (D-Bellingham) for state senate in the 40th Legislative District, including retiring Sen. Harriet Spanel, Rep. Dave Quall (D-Mt. Vernon) and former candidate Paul Gonzales (D-Mt. Vernon), all of which have come in the last two weeks, the 40th LD Democrats are speaking up to remind voters that their full endorsement belongs to Kevin Ranker (D-San Juan Island).

"There is confusion about which candidate the Democratic Party is supporting this year in the Senate race to fill the 40th Legislative District seat currently held by Senator Harriet Spanel," 40th LD Democratic Vice Chair Roni Beall said in a press release late Tuesday night. "The clear and simple answer is Kevin Ranker. He is not only our sole nominee, but is also our sole endorsee."

MOUNT VERNON -

One of the most crowded fields in the state started early. But now, just a week after the filing deadline, one stands alone as the party nominee with the district's sole endorsement.

Up in the Northwest corner of Washington, encompassing all of San Juan County and portions of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, the 40th Legislative District has long been a Democratic stronghold, with a full delegation of Democrats and a retiring state Senator, Harriet Spanel, who has held the seat for sixteen years.

Early on, six Democrats entered the race. San Juan County Councilman Kevin Ranker, Whatcom for Obama organizer Stephanie Kontouros, former State Trooper Paul Gonzales, Democratic activist Hue Beattie, Port of Anacortes Commissioner Steve Hopley and former Whatcom County Councilman Ken Henderson all filed with the Public Disclosure Commission, but once the field became so large, Hopley changed his affiliation to independent and then a few weeks later dropped his bid and endorsed Henderson.

40th LD Democratic Senate candidates meet/Politicker Photo