The race to replace Doumit

I feel a bit out of the loop in that today is the first I had heard that one of my preferred legislators, Sen. Mark Doumit [D-Cathlamet], was stepping down effective November 1 to take the job of executive director of the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA). This happened about three weeks ago, apparently, but is indeed worth covering in that two capable Democrats are seeking the appointment (scheduled for Nov. 11) as if they were campaigning for an election. Former Rep. Brian Hatfield (who also built a strong centrist record as a legislator) is probably considered the favourite for the appointment, but first must schmooze with more PCOs than Cowlitz County Commissioner George Raiter. John Philbrook, a Longview-based labour leader, has also stated he is considering a run.

Hatfield resigned his House seat soon after winning reelection in 2004 to take a job under Lieutenant Gov. Brad Owen. The Nov. 11 PCO meeting will take place in Naselle, best known for its most famous resident, ex-Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, who has been active in Democratic politics since the band's breakup. The PCOs will rank their top three choices for the appointment and county commissioners will choose the ultimate appointee. Considering that the 19th district covers many coastal counties, local favouritism may well come into play.