Federation endorses a few challengers

• Published March 31, 2008

The largest state workers union, the Washington Federation of State Employees, rolled out its endorsement list over the weekend, with a few notable items. They are backing Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg to unseat state Attorney General Rob McKenna, a Republican, and supporting Darcy Burner, a Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert in the 8th Congressional District.

Rep. Richard DeBolt, the House Republican leader from Chehalis, didn’t get the nod. He faces a Democratic challenger, but so does Sen. Dan Swecker, from the same district, and Swecker was endorsed. As was DeBolt’s seatmate, Rep. Gary Alexander.

Mostly it was Democratic incumbents who won the endorsements, including the rest of the congressional delegation (no endorsements in McMorris and Hasting races yet). Exceptions: Secretary of State Sam Reed, a Repbulican, was endorsed. Three state Senate Republicans got the nod, including Swecker. And 12 House Republicans, including Alexander and Rep. Tom Campbell of Roy.