LD17

U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (D-Vancouver): Getty Images PhotoDENVER -Taking a moment to switch gears from the hoopla of the national convention to the nuts and bolts of state politics, Rep. Brian Baird (D-Vancouver) predicted that Southwest Washington would pick up a few seats for Democrats in the state House and Senate this November.

"I think we have a real shot at picking up a seat in the 17th," Baird said. "I think Tim Probst is going to win that seat. I think we have a great shot in the 18th. I like our candidate there VaNessa Duplessie, running against [Rep. Jaime] Herrera who has never been elected herself, really has hardly been in the district the last ten years. Vanessa is hard working, sharp, articulate, a real go getter."

Baird was also pleasantly surprised to see David Carrier running relatively close to Sen. Don Benton in the 17th District, and Jon Haugen within ten points of Sen. Joe Zarelli in LD 18.

DENVER - The Democratic Speaker of the state House of Representatives, Seattle's Frank Chopp, is well known in political circles for his planning and dedication to building a long-term Democratic majority in Olympia. Just like with the Republicans, every other year provides a chance to gradually build up or chip away at the current lead, depending on what side you are on.

But despite all the projections and planning, did last week's "top two" primary results change the leadership's picture of which races to focus on going into November? Chopp says no.

Republican Precinct Committee Officers in Vancouver's 17th Legislative District met over the weekend to endorse a candidate in the race against Democrat Tim Probst. In doing so, as The Columbian reports, the 17th District Republicans set a precedent by endorsing a challenger over an incumbent for the first time in their history when they backed Joe James over Rep. Jim Dunn.

"It’s clear that the district is ready for new leadership and I’m pleased to be their choice to work to earn their trust," James said. 

It took David Carrier (D-Cascade Park) getting stood up twice before he decided to stand up. At least that is one way to look at it. The Columbian is reporting that the WSU-Vancouver assistant economics professor was ditched twice by Sen. Don Benton for meetings on affordable housing, health care and predatory lending before finally showing up and trumpeting the need for tax cuts.

State Rep. Jim Dunn (R-Vancouver) has told The Columbian that he will be seeking re-election to his 17th District seat this year. Dunn, who was stripped of his committee assignments as punishment for sexually explicit remarks he made to a staffer at a social event in Kennewick last year, tells the paper he would be able to return to committee if re-elected.