If he runs, he will join Democrats Cheryl Crist of Olympia and state Rep. Deb Wallace of Vancouver and Republicans David Castillo of Olympia, Jon Russell of Washougal and David William Hedrick as confirmed candidates.
A number of candidates are, like Heck, considering joining the race. Among them reportedly are Cowlitz County Commissioner Axel Swanson and state Sen. Brian Hatfield of Raymond, both Democrats, and Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera of Ridgefield.
Heck served in the Legislature from 1977 to 1985, winning election when he was 23. He resigned to become chief clerk of the House and in 1988 lost a campaign for state superintendent of public instruction.
Heck was a chief of staff to then-Gov. Booth Gardner before starting TVW, the state government cable channel.
