Washington County has void of Republican candidates

As the August 26 deadline to find candidates for the November ballot, the Washington county GOP is losing quite a few good opportunities to take on Democrats this fall. In July, candidate Jeff Duyck was stripped of his Republican nomination for having a residence a few yards outside the district. The state's decision to eliminate Duyck from the race provides incumbent Democrat Rep. Chuck Riley (D-Hillsboro) a free ride in a race considered by many to be one of the most competitive this campaign season. So far, no replacement for Duyck has been nominated which is really good news for Riley who has only $9,919 in his bank account for his re-election.

Another Democrat incumbent from Washington county is finding his campaign without a Republican challenger this season. State Rep. Tobias Read (D-Portland) can kick back now with alleged reports that his GOP opponent, Russ McAlmond, dropped out of the race after raising a mere $50 for his campaign and gaining no traction in his bid to unseat Read.

Finally, newly appointed State Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Beaverton) is also without a Republican opponent for her fall special election. Bonamici was recently appointed to fill state Senator Brad Avakian's seat when he left for an appointment to Labor Commissioner. Bonamici will have to run for her seat in both 2008 and 2010.