Sarah Palin announced on Twitter Saturday that she was endorsing former Washington State Representative John Koster for U.S. Congress:
"Proud to endorse John Koster, Congress-WA-2. John's pro-family, pro-business, rock-solid commonsense conservative! www.kosterforcongress.com"Like many congressional candidates who have received Gov. Palin's endorsement, Koster is considered to be the underdog in the 2010 race for the Second Congressional District. It's a blue district which has been represented by Democrat Rick Larsen since 2001. Larsen beat Koster to win the seat in 2000. Al Gore (2000) and John Kerry (2004) narrowly carried the district in past presidential elections, while Barack Obama won the 2nd comfortably in 2008 by a 56 to 42 margin. WA-2 includes the northern portion of Western Washington State, from the King/Snohomish county line to the Canadian border, including the San Juan Islands.
- JP
Looks like Sarah has been getting all of her ducks in a row in Washington State (Senate and House - no Governor's race this year). The Republicans have the opportunity to win 5 of the 9 Washington State Congressional seats in 2010.
ReplyDeleteThey currently hold three. Districts 04, held by Cathy McMorris-Rogers, and 05 held by Doc Hastings (which includes Richland), both in the eastern part of the State, are rock solid Republican Districts.
District 08, held by RINO Dave Reichert, is a suburban seat just east of Seattle (Pierce County) and is a slightly Democratic area - hence the need for Reichert's liberalism.
The other two Districts that could swing to the Republicans are 02 and 03. District 02 is held by Rick Larsen (D) but it did go Republican in the 1994 sweep. District 03 (Southwest corner of the State) was held by Brian Baird (D) but he announced unexpectedly earlier this year that he wouldn't run again, perhaps sensing that he could loose this seat to the Republicans, as it also went Republican in the 1994 sweep. Because it is an open seat the Republicans should have a chance here if there is a national trend.
Therefore, the best the Republicans can do this year is to hold their 3 seats and pick up Districts 02 and 03. Sarah has endorsed Koster in 02 and he has little competition in the primary. In District 03 it appears David Castillo should win the primary, although he will have more competition. He too is a rock solid pro life conservative, with an impressive resume, and is endorsed by Freedom Works. I wonder if in a few days Sarah might announce his endorsement as well.