State Rep. Brendan Williams (D-22) announced today that he will not run for U.S. Rep. Brian Baird’s (D-WA) open seat. (Baird’s district covers SW Washington.)
Rep. Baird announced last week—to the Democratic Party’s surprise—that he’s not seeking reelection.
Rep. Williams, a liberal firebrand, was rumored to be considering a run. Williams, who represents Olympia, is a famously disgruntled legislator who is outspoken about his disdain for Speaker Rep. Frank Chopp (D-43), who Williams thinks is a sell out to the state building lobby.
Rep. Brendan Williams lapel at the 2008 Dems Xmas Party
In a statement this afternoon, Rep. Williams said:
Through developments during the health care debate, and through decisions like granting huge tax breaks to publicly-traded homebuilders while leaving mortgage-paying citizens facing default, we’ve seen big money is all that matters in Congress. And I’m nobody’s yes-man.I look forward to working with Senator Pridemore this next session in overcoming oil polluters, and their two State House friends among the announced candidates, and pass House Bill 1614.
The reference to state Sen. Pridemore (D-49) is noteworthy. Pridemore is running for Baird’s seat. Moreover, Williams criticizes two other people who have also declared, state Rep. Jaime Herrera (R-18) and state Rep. Deb Wallace (D-17).
Williams’ press release points out:
Both Representatives Jaime Herrera and Deb Wallace voted with the oil industry against stormwater-cleanup HB 1614 in a 51-45 House floor vote on April 25, 2009.
Herrera, 31, is a potential young star for the GOP. For what it’s worth, I just got back from taping a year-end wrap up show at the Seattle Channel with several other journalists and Herrera’s candidacy was definitely the buzz.
