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Rep. Jim McCune, the 2nd District Republican from Graham, is telling supporters that he is the target of a ruthless left-wing attack spearheaded by Speaker of the House Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) according the TNT's Political Buzz. He calls Chopp's tactics " slashing" and "slanderous".

McCune, who says in a fundraising letter that he is one of two remaining Pierce County Republicans in the House, has three Democratic opponents in his race. They are Jean Marie Christiansen, who ran in 2006, former Orting Councilman Raymond Harper, and recent entry Chuck Collins, who the TNT reported was recruited by state Democrats and is likely the impetus for McCune's worries.

The Tri-City Herald's Chris Mulick talked Republican state Senate politics this week with Minority Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla). Hewitt was particularly impressed with the campaigns of challengers Linda Haddon in the 10th LD, Randi Becker in the 2nd, and Steve Van Luven in the 40th.

In particular, he was impressed with Becker's doorbelling and Van Luven's ability to connect with influential lobbyists. Districts 2 and 10 are potential swing districts, but the 40th leans heavily Democratic. Hewitt told TCH that he hoped to have 20 seats in the Republican Senate Caucus next session.

Read the full story here.

The TNT's Political Buzz is reporting that Yelm businessman Chuck Collins will run for State Representative as a Democrat this year in rural Pierce County's 2nd District, position 1 against incumbent Rep. Jim McCune (R-Graham).

In a press release Collins, a former U.S. Forest Service firefighter, ranger and Department of Energy Program Manager says he'll focus on "the three E's - education, the economy, and the environment" if elected to the Legislature.