Republican Dale Brandland announces his retirement from state Senate

State Senator Dale Brandland, a Republican who represents the 42nd District, has just announced his decision to retire from the Senate.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Brandland - who was first elected in 2002 - disclosed that he has decided not to run again.

The 42nd Legislative District encompasses most of Whatcom County. It includes northern Bellingham plus all of Whatcom's other incorporated cities: Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, Sumas, Deming, and Nooksack.

The district's two Representatives are Doug Ericksen and Kelli Linville. Linville is a senior member of the House Democratic caucus; she currently chairs the House Appopriations Committee. She now has the option of running for the position Brandland is vacating; but if she does, House Speaker Frank Chopp would need to find a viable candidate who can hold the seat.

POSTSCRIPT: In its story, The Bellingham Herald gives a nod to the two Democrats who have expressed interest in succeeding Brandland:

Pat Jerns, the 63-year-old CEO of Keller Williams Western Realty in Bellingham wants to focus on jobs and supporting businesses.

Richard May, 42, owns several coffee stands and cafes in Whatcom County employing 20 people and believes there is too much “business as usual” in Olympia and not enough listening to constituents.

The most credible candidate the Republicans could field would seem to be Representative Doug Ericksen, although he'd have to vacate his House seat to run for Senate, giving Democrats another opportunity for a pickup.