Political representation set to change

Primary ballots out this week

NEWPORT – The northeast Washington political landscape at the state and federal level is about to change, or at least be rearranged, as candidates for various offices are narrowed to the top two contenders who get the most votes in each race in the Primary Election. Ballots went out this week and are due back by Aug. 6.

The race attracting probably the most attention is the one to replace longtime 5th District U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers. The veteran Republican congresswoman is not seeking reelection after 20 years in the House.

Eleven contenders are vying for the slot, six Republicans and five Democrats. The 5th Congressional District is one of the biggest in the state, covering parts or all of 12 counties, including all of Pend Oreille County.

Republican candidates include Jacquelin Maycumber, Brian Dansel, Michael Baumgartner, Jonathan Bingle, Rene Holady and Rick Valentine Flynn.

Democratic candidates are Bernadine Bank, Ann Marie Danimus, Carmela Conroy, Mathew Welde and Bobbie Bennette Wolcott.

Maycumber and Dansel have represented the area before, Dansel as a state senator and Maycumber in the state House of Representatives. Dansel is currently a sitting Ferry County commissioner and Maycumber is the current state House representative.

Baumgartner is the Spokane County treasurer and Bingle a sitting Spokane City council member.

Danimus ran for the seat two years ago. The Democrat came in third in the primary but has been campaigning ever since.

Also at the federal level, Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell is facing 10 challengers. Five Republicans, two Democrats, two Independents, one Socialist Workers Party and one candidate with no party preference are running, including Cantwell.

In the 7th Legislative District, there are two open positions in the state House of Representatives. The Position 1 seat is held by Maycumber, who is running for Congress. The Position 2 is held by Joel Kretz, who is retiring. Both serve as Republicans.

For Position 1, Republicans Teagan Levine, Andrew Engell and Soo Ing-Moody are seeking election. For Position 2, Republicans Ronald McCoy, Hunter Abell, Pat Bell and Democratic candidate Paul “Rocky” Dean are running for the job. (See related candidate questions and answers).

At the state level, there are 28 candidates running to replace Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who is not seeking reelection after three terms.

There are many other statewide races, including for Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner. Refer to the Voters Pamphlet for statements and biographical information on all the candidates.

At the county level, county commissioner candidates for two positions will be on the ballot. While the field won’t be narrowed, as there are only two candidates for each job, the primary could give some indication of candidate strength.

The Pend Oreille Public Utility District commissioner position will not be on the ballot, as it is a nonpartisan race and there are only two candidates.

Republican county commissioner challenger Steve Haroldson Minnich will face incumbent John Gentle for the District 1 county commission position and Kevin Young is running against incumbent Brian Smiley for the District 3 position. All county commission candidates are Republicans.

People can register to vote or update their voting address online at VoteWA.gov. People must have a Washington driver’s license to register online. The last day to change your voting address online is July 29. July 30 to Aug. 6, changes or updates to registration must be made in person at the Pend Oreille County Auditor’s Office in Newport.

People can also register to vote by mail. They can print a form at VoteWA.gov or call the county Auditor’s Office at 509-447-6472 to have a form mailed to them.

People can also register to vote in person at the Auditor’s Office at 625 W. 4th St., in Newport.

Under Washington’s Future Voter program, 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the November General Election can vote in the August Primary.