LD5

Chris Mulick at the Tri City Herald reports that two of the state's legislative races have changed their complexion in recent days. In the 40th District, where seven candidates are vying for retiring Sen. Harriet Spanel's seat, now former Democrat Steve Hopley, the Commissioner of the Port of Anacortes, has changed his party affiliation from Democrat to independent leaving himself, five Democrats and one Republican to fill out the race.

Meanwhile, 5th District Democrat Jon Viebrock (D-Carnation) originally filed to challenge Rep. Glenn Anderson (R-Fall City) but has now decided to instead seek Rep. Jay Rodne's (R-North Bend) seat in position #1.

Democrat Phyllis Huster of Maple Valley has announced that she will challenge Senate Deputy Minority Leader Cheryl Pflug (R-Maple Valley) in the 5th Legislative District, which covers the Sammamish Plateau and I-90 corridor east of Seattle.  read more »