Hastings retires; state pols scramble for positions

Washington state representative Doc Hastings of 4th Congressional District announced recently that he will not seek re-election in November after three decades of service to the state. This announcement has prompted several politicians in eastern Washington to announce their plans to run for office in new positions.

Holmquist Newbry

Senator Janea Holmquist Newbry of Moses Lake is running for the 4th Congressional District position being vacated by Hastings.

Former U.S Senate candidate Clint Didier has also announced his candidacy, as has Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck and Ephrata portrait photographer Gavin Seim. Other potential GOP candidates include Dan Newhouse, former legislator and former director of the state’s Department of Agriculture; Kennewick attorney George Cicotte, and state Senator Sharon Brown, a Kennewick Republican.

Warnick

Judy Warnick, current 13th District Representative, has announced she will file for the 13th District Senate seat being vacated by Senator Janea Holmquist Newbry who is running for the 4th Congressional District position being vacated by Hastings.

“After prayerful consideration and with the blessings of my family, I would like to announce my candidacy for the 13th District Senate seat. I have appreciated serving with Senator Holmquist Newbry and will work to carry on her support of our over-burdened tax payers and businesses,” Warnick said.

Warnick has represented Legislative District 13 in the Washington state House of Representatives since being first elected in 2006. She has served on a variety of committees in the House including; Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Higher Education, Labor and Workforce Development, Local Government and Capital Budget.

She has been married to her husband, Roy for 44 years, and they have three daughters and seven grandchildren. They own a small business and a farm in Moses Lake.

Dent

Moses Lake businessman Tom Dent announced his candidacy for the 13th Legislative District House of Representatives seat being vacated by Judy Warnick.

“I am excited to bring my knowledge and energy to Olympia,” Dent said. “I have contacted many citizens within the 13th District and am humbled by the support I have received from them. I look forward to representing the citizens of the 13th district and the issues that are key to them.”

Dent is a commercial pilot and flight instructor. He has spent many hours in the air over much of the 13th district. In addition to being in the crop protection and enhancement business, Dent has a small ranch raising hay, cattle and buffalo. He has been involved with many business organizations, church and youth activities and has served as chair of the Grant County Republican Party.

He has lived and worked in the Columbia Basin most of his life, having moved to the area in 1955 when he was five years old.