8th District Democratic field may get crowded for primary

Excerpts from his blog, Postman on Politics

Two Democratic state legislators are thinking about getting into the 8th District congressional primary against fellow Democrat and online political activists' favorite Darcy Burner.

Burner, a former Microsoft manager, has already launched her second run for the nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, in 2008.

State Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, a recent Democratic convert, confirmed Wednesday he is seriously considering a run. He has talked to Burner about it and continues to talk to other Democrats.

Tom has also talked with state Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw, who Tom says also is thinking about getting in the primary.

King County Democratic Chairwoman Susan Sheary said people have talked to her about both Tom and Hurst joining the race, but she hadn't heard from either directly.

State Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz would say only: "Darcy Burner is running hard for Congress, and I have heard there are one or more Democrats testing the waters."

Hurst, who represents parts of Pierce and King counties in the rural end of the 8th District, could not be reached for comment. Burner also couldn't be reached.

Tom was quick to say he likes Burner.

"I have a high regard for Darcy," he said. "Again, I keep coming back to, who can best win the 8th? The 8th is a moderate district, and if there's a strong moderate out there, it's me. I think I share their values and I think I fit this district really well."

There had been an effort to draft state Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Bellevue, into the race. But Hunter has had a recurrence of cancer and said recently he will go through a relatively aggressive treatment at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

"I'm focusing all my energy on this effort now, and will be for the next several months," Hunter said.

Tom became a Democrat only last year. After two terms in the state House as a Republican, he switched parties in March 2006. He said at the time that "the far right has complete control" of the GOP and that the Democratic Party was a better ideological fit for him.

He faced a fellow Democrat, Debi Golden, in his Senate primary. But after Tom lined up support from many party leaders, Golden dropped out and gave him clear sailing to November.

In the general election, he beat incumbent Republican Sen. Luke Esser, who's now the state Republican Party chairman.

Tom would be in the midst of a four-year Senate term next year and could run for Congress without giving up his legislative seat.

He said he would make a decision about running within the next month.

This material has been edited for print publication.

David Postman is The Seattle Times' chief political reporter. Reach him at 360-236-8267 or at dpostman@seattletimes.com