Baird says he will not seek re-election

[Sebastian Doyle]

Wash. Rep. Baird says he will not seek re-election

by MATTHEW DALY Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic Rep. Brian Baird says he will not seek re-election next year.

Baird, in his sixth term representing Southwest Washington, said his job as congressman has been the highest honor and greatest responsibility of his life.

Since first announcing his plans to run for Congress in 1995, Baird said, he has done his utmost to work hard, tell the truth, listen, and do what was right for the nation.

In a statement released Wednesday, the 53-year-old lawmakers said he expects to serve the remainder of his term in Congress.

Well, I suppose it's just as well, since I wasn't going to vote for him again anyway. Now comes the real battle..... to make sure someone even worse doesn't take his place.

[regnaD kciN]

1. Not good news...

That's a "swing district" that can, and has, easily gone to teabagger-type Republicans in the past. Baird was one Democrat who seemed to have a pretty secure grip on his seat there -- I don't know of any Democrats with similar popularity down there in southwest Washington, and I can pretty easily see that district shoot right to the top of the "potential pickup" list for Repugs.

[Sebastian Doyle]

2. Believe me, I remember the Linda Smith days

Actually I remember invading her office in Vancouver with a group of Young Democrats and seeing her sneak out the back door to avoid us. What a vile creature she was :puke:

[quiller4]

4. I don't know why you are calling this district "swing". Baird got almost 65% last

time out. Obama carried it as did Kerry although Bush carried it in 2000. The CQ map gives it a solid blue. All the Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific and Wakkiakum county officials are Ds although Clark is split.

Jolene Unsoeld, a very liberal D held that seat throughout the 1980s winning by significant margins even during the Reagan years. In 1994 a right wing nut, Linda Smith managed to unseat Jolene Unsoeld by uniting gun rights groups, loggers fearful of environmental regulations threatening their jobs and right wing Christians. After two terms her popularity in the district sank and her health failed. She retired and Baird won the open seat.

[Upton]

6. Actually, all the Lewis County officials

are Republicans...

State representation

The county's government is the 20th district of the state.

* Senator Dan Swecker—Republican
* Representative Richard DeBolt—Position 1, Republican
* Representative Gary Alexander—Position 2, Republican



The county's government is solely Republican.

* Lewis County Assessor: Dianne Dorey—R
* Lewis County Auditor: Gary Zandell—R
* Lewis County Clerk: Kathy Brack—R
* Coronor Terry Wilson—R
* Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney: Jeremy Randolph—R
* Lewis County Sherrif: John P. McCroskey—R
* Lewis County Treasurer: Rose A. Bowman—R

* Ron Averill , District #1 - Republican
* P.W. 'Bill' Schulte, District #2 - Republican
* Lee Grose, District #3 - Republican

[eridani]

7. That's because of incumbency and name recognition n/t

[Upton]

8. Nah..I live in Lewis County..

it's extremely conservative around here...like an eastern Wa. county. We haven't voted for a Democratic presidential contender since LBJ.

[eridani]

9. Lewis County has way fewer people than Thurrston

Also, Clark is pretty Democratic, and populous enough to have gotten our newest legislative district--LD 49.

[quiller4]

5. Actually State Senator Brian Hatfield and State Rep Dean Takko

are quite well know throughout the district. Since Takko is in leadership, he may not choose to run but he has a very long record of winning elective offices in the district by wide margins.

[pscot]

3. Hopefully our Republicon friends

will apply the maximum purity straight jacket to this one. Who do they have hiding under the rocks down there?