BREAKING: Finkbeiner won't seek reelection

Bill Finkbeiner, who has represented the 45th for the last 14 years, has announced he won't seek reelection to the state Senate:

As for what’s next, I will continue the privilege of representing the people of the 45th District until the end of the year. I will also continue pursuing my master’s degree. It’s an exciting time in my life, and I am looking forward to putting everything I have learned in school, the private sector and the Legislature to use in future endeavors.

Finally, I want to bid a fond farewell to all the senators I have served with, but especially to the members of my caucus. They have been tremendous to work with and work for. It has been a real honor to serve with them.

Toby Nixon, the 45th's only Republican Representative (Larry Springer, a Democrat, is the other representative), has publicly stated (and confirms his previous statements to David Goldstein here) that he would run for state Senate if Bill retired.

So apparently Toby Nixon is running against Eric Oemig for the State Senate, and the 45th District Democrats now have an opportunity to run a candidate for an open seat. Legislative races are sure to be a hot topic at next week's monthly meeting.

When asked to respond to Finkbeiner's announcement, Eric Oemig told NPI:

My reasons for running haven't changed - only the opponent. I am as committed to making Washington stronger as I was when I started running.

Perhaps Eric's reasons for running haven't changed, but the dynamics of the race have changed, and not in a bad way.