Brad Kilppert

Chris Mulick at the TCH is reporting that retiring Rep. Shirley Hankins (R-Richland) has endorsed Skip Novakovich for her open seat this year. When he entered the race in mid-May Novakovich, who used to work for Hankins, swiped at his opponents for announcing their candidacy before Hankins formally retired.

"I'm kind of surprised, really," Novakovich said at the time. "It's almost like a slap in the face to her. She's making a tough decision."

Hankins said in a press release that her decision was based on his qualifications.