Rick Larsen

Washington's Congressional delegation spoke out in favor of today's decision by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' decision to re-open the bidding process for the Air Force KC-767 tankers. Airbus had won the initial contract, which would have cost the state's economy a significant amount of money, but the process was discovered to be flawed by the Government Accountability Office.

Representatives Brian Baird (D-03), Doc Hastings (D-04) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (D-05) have yet to speak on the matter. Links to and excerpts from the rest of the state's elected officials statements are below.

KING-TV and Survey USA conducted polls on two of the state's contested U.S. House races. The polling showed U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn) leading Darcy Burner (D-Carnation) in the 8th Congressional District by a count of 51 percent to 45 percent, and in the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Arlington) leads Rick Bart (R-Arlington) 56 percent to 38 percent.

Both polls show a Republican advantage relative to the last election. In 2006 Reichert defeated Burner 51 percent to 48 percent, and Larsen defeated Republican Doug Roulstone 64 percent to 35 percent.

Washington's full delegation, with the exception of Rep. Brian Baird (D-Vancouver) spoke out on the Government Accountability Office's decision today to uphold the protest against the decision making process that led to a US Air Force tanker contract to go to Airbus over Boeing earlier this year.

The group unanimously celebrated the GAO's decision because of initial unfairness in the decision making process, and used their statements as an I-told-you-so to those who supported and helped usher the deal through.

"It has been clear all along that the process was flawed, as evidenced by the clear recommendations made by the GAO," said Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn). "This is a great victory for Boeing, Washington state and every American who values our nation's economic and homeland security."

Read all available statements below the jump.

The 40th Legislative District Democrats held a series of endorsement meetings earlier this week. Members from all three counties, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, had their say as to who would be the officially endorsed nominees going into the top two primary in August. Here are the candidates they chose.

40th LD State Senate: Kevin Ranker
40th LD State Rep: Jeff Morris and Dave Quall
Governor: Christine Gregoire
Supreme Court Justice: Mary Fairhurst
State Treasurer: Jim McIntire
Public Lands Commissioner: Peter Goldmark
2nd Congressional District: Rick Larsen

Republican candidate for congress Rick Bart has been putting himself in the news lately, although not by holding large campaign rallies or by creating any scandals. Instead he is doing it the old fashioned way, by creating policy proposals and taking vocal stands on the issues important to 2nd District constituents.

Bart said he plans to release a new statement every week or so where he tries to differentiate himself from incumbent Rick Larsen on a wide range of issues that do not necessarily follow the traditional Republican-Democrat narrative.

U.S. Rep. Rick LarsenU.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Arlington) announced today that he will kickoff his campaign for re-election to a 5th term in Congress with events in each of the 2nd Congressional District's five counties next week. It has been well known that Larsen would seek another term, but beginning Tuesday in Mount Vernon, it will be official.

Larsen's opponent, Republican Rick Bart (R-Arlington), began his campaign last month.

See the full schedule for Larsen's kickoff here.

Sheriff Rick Bart (R-Arlington): Politicker PhotoRepublican Rick Bart, the former Snohomish County Sheriff running for Congress in Northwest Washington's 2nd District against incumbent Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Arlington) has announced a new policy initiative. In a press release sent out Monday morning, Bart pledged to put forward legislation that would help college graduates ease the increasing burden of student loans.

"If elected," Bart said, "I would propose legislation that allows citizens who have seen their student loan balances balloon with penalties, fees, and accrued interest for 7 years or more a window of opportunity to repay what they originally borrowed and move on with their lives.

Republican Rick Bart, the former Snohomish County Sheriff running for Congress in District 2, has just launched his campaign website, http:http://www.electrickbart.com.

He is running against incumbent Rick Larsen, who is currently in the news for endorsing Barack Obama Thursday.  Larsen's website is http://www.ricklarsen.org/.

Washington's superdelegate count stands at five for Obama, five for Clinton and seven undecided. State Republican deciders may know something the Democrats don't know, since they've been campaigning against Obama, without a single mention on Clinton in recent letters. The Republican decidee is coming to town, and you can meet him for dinner for only $33,100.

The Seattle Times' David Postman is reporting that Rep. Rick Larsen, one of Washington's final remaining uncommitted elected superdelegates, will endorse Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

UPDATED: Larsen's office has just sent out a press release with his statements.

Larsen Pledges Super Delegate Vote to Obama

Everett, WA - Today U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), who will servenas a super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, endorsed BaracknObama for President of the United States of America. Larsen released thenfollowing statement:

"Today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President. I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to turn our country's hopes for a better future into reality.

"This week, Senator Obama has proven that he is tough and resilient. He has shown that he can take a pounding, come back and continue to communicate with the public to deliver his message of hope and change.

"In my district, Senator Obama has strong grassroots support. He has inspired and energized my constituents like no other candidate.

"I believe that Senator Obama will be the best President for our country. I have been particularly impressed by Senator Obama's truth-telling on a proposed gas tax policy - a proposal which would make little or no difference for Americans paying too much at the pump.

"Our country faces great challenges. As President, I believe that Barack Obama can unite our country to overcome obstacles and deliver real change."