Toby Nixon won't run for Legislature in 2008

Republican Toby Nixon, who represented the 45th District in the state House from 2002 until 2007 (and unsuccessfully ran for Senate against Eric Oemig in 2006) has just announced he won't be a candidate next year. He had been sought after as a top recruit, one capable of running a strong campaign.

His decision is yet another blow to the GOP's 2008 legislative prospects. It means that Republicans will have to keep looking for someone to challenge freshman Representative Roger Goodman.

(The 45th's other representative, Larry Springer, is in his second term, having defeated two well funded Republicans in consecutive cycles).

Here is the text of Toby's release:

I appreciate the many inquiries and expressions of support I have received over the past few weeks from many friends in the community and around the state.

After much careful consideration and consultation with my family and advisors, I have decided to not seek election to the state House of Representatives or any another office in 2008.

I have made a number of commitments that I must fulfill, including expanded responsibilities at Microsoft, seeing the amendment to the King County Charter creating an elected director of elections through to adoption, my service as president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government and my involvement in several other non-profit organizations, as well as, even more importantly, needing to focus attention on my responsibilities to my family and church.

These require more attention than would be possible if I were also running a campaign of my own this year.

I am keeping my options open with regard to other opportunities after 2008, but in the meantime I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to bring about needed changes through the many other ways available to us as citizens.

Nixon may be hoping to run for King County elections director, an (unnecessary) elected position that his Initiative 25 would establish (contingent upon voter approval in November 2008).

Even if he has no such aspirations, it seems that he wants to keep his options open for the future, and not risk losing again by contesting a Democratic incumbent in a difficult race for the state House. That's understandable, especially since the political climate doesn't look very good for Republicans next year.