‘Independent Democrat’ to run to replace Rep. Graham Hunt

A Bethel School Board member is running this year to replace Rep. Graham Hunt in the state House.

Amy Pivetta Hoffman wants to represent the 2nd District that spans parts of Pierce and Thurston counties, including Yelm, Eatonville, Graham and Orting.

The Frederickson resident is a lawyer whose practice on South Hill focuses on business law.

She will use the party label “independent Democrat” on the ballot in the Republican-leaning district. “I want voters to know that I’m always going to put the views of my district ahead of party leaders,” Pivetta Hoffman said in a news release announcing her candidacy.

Democrats control the House by just a two-vote margin, 50-48.

Hunt stepped down in February over questions about his military record. The Pierce County Council and Thurston County Board of Commissioners appointed Republican Andrew Barkis to complete Hunt’s term, fulfilling a requirement to appoint someone nominated by the incumbent’s party.

Hoffman said she wants to deal with “overcrowded and underfunded schools, a congested transportation system, and high property crime rates in our unincorporated communities.”

This story was originally published March 12, 2016 at 7:30 AM with the headline "‘Independent Democrat’ to run to replace Rep. Graham Hunt."