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Bits and Pieces

  • After only a few weeks as a candidate, State Senator Rodney Tom (D-Medina) announced today that he is giving up his campaign for the 8th congressional district and throwing his support to former Microsoft employee Darcy Burner who unsuccessfully challenged incumbant Rep. Dave Reichert last November.  Tom, a former Republican House member who switched parties last year, defeated former Senator Luke Esser in the 48th district Senate contest last year.
  • Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Harriet Spanel (D-Bellingham), announced last week that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.  The Bellingham lawmaker has represented the 40th district since 1986 and in the Senate since 1992.  She has indicated that her prognosis for recovery is excellent.  Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Bellevue) and Rep. Mary Skinner (R-Yakima) are other legislators who are also currently battling cancer.
  • Rep. Jamie Pederson (D-Seattle) is a new dad.  The 43rd district legislator and his partner Eric welcomed their first child Trygve Pederson on August 27.  The baby was born in San Diego to a surrogate mother and the entire family should be back to their home on Capitol Hill later this week.