Candidate filing under way for fall elections

Candidates for federal, state and local political offices began filing the paperwork Monday that officially gets them into Washington state’s fall elections.

Those who are trying to make up their minds whether to run have until 5 p.m. Friday to decide. After that, the races are pretty well set, except for some partisan spots that have no candidates.

This year’s statewide ballot features a U.S. Senate race that’s attracting national attention. First-term Democratic incumbent Maria Cantwell is likely to face Republican Mike McGavick, former chief executive officer of Safeco Insurance, if both defeat what’s expected to be token opposition in the Sept. 19 primary.

First-term Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris is running for re-election in Eastern Washington’s 5th Congressional District. Her only announced opponent is Democrat Peter Goldmark, an Okanogan rancher and former Washington State University regent. Both filed for the office on Monday.

In Spokane County, three Democrats have announced plans to challenge Commissioner Phil Harris, a three-term Republican incumbent. Harris, Bonnie Mager and George Orr filed their candidate forms on Monday, and Barb Chamberlain is expected to file her paperwork later in the week.

The primary is decided by voters in the commissioner district, which covers the southwest third of Spokane County. The general election is countywide.

A countywide Republican primary for sheriff will feature Ozzie Knezovich against Cal Walker. That race may be decided in the primary because Democrats have yet to find a candidate for that position.

Three positions on the state Supreme Court are also on the fall ballot, as well as all seats in the state House of Representatives and half the seats in the state Senate. One high-stakes legislative race in Spokane will feature incumbent Republican Brad Benson against Democrat Chris Marr for the 6th District Senate seat.

Spokane County voters – which include those in all the cities – also elect their assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecutor, treasurer and nine district court positions.

Candidates file at the county elections office for most local races, and with the Secretary of State in Olympia for federal and statewide races.