Steve Van Luven

MOUNT VERNON -

One of the most crowded fields in the state started early. But now, just a week after the filing deadline, one stands alone as the party nominee with the district's sole endorsement.

Up in the Northwest corner of Washington, encompassing all of San Juan County and portions of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, the 40th Legislative District has long been a Democratic stronghold, with a full delegation of Democrats and a retiring state Senator, Harriet Spanel, who has held the seat for sixteen years.

Early on, six Democrats entered the race. San Juan County Councilman Kevin Ranker, Whatcom for Obama organizer Stephanie Kontouros, former State Trooper Paul Gonzales, Democratic activist Hue Beattie, Port of Anacortes Commissioner Steve Hopley and former Whatcom County Councilman Ken Henderson all filed with the Public Disclosure Commission, but once the field became so large, Hopley changed his affiliation to independent and then a few weeks later dropped his bid and endorsed Henderson.

40th LD Democratic Senate candidates meet/Politicker Photo

The Tri-City Herald's Chris Mulick talked Republican state Senate politics this week with Minority Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla). Hewitt was particularly impressed with the campaigns of challengers Linda Haddon in the 10th LD, Randi Becker in the 2nd, and Steve Van Luven in the 40th.

In particular, he was impressed with Becker's doorbelling and Van Luven's ability to connect with influential lobbyists. Districts 2 and 10 are potential swing districts, but the 40th leans heavily Democratic. Hewitt told TCH that he hoped to have 20 seats in the Republican Senate Caucus next session.

Read the full story here.

With the entry of former Republican State Rep. Steve Van Luven into the race to succeed retiring State Sen. Harriet Spanel, the field becomes more and more crowded by the day.  read more »