Jane Hague dropping out of race for 1st District seat

The Seattle Times ^ | Warren Cornwall

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Republican efforts to unseat Democratic U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee suffered a serious setback yesterday when Metropolitan King County Councilwoman Jane Hague unexpectedly dropped out of the race.

Hague, a three-term Republican councilwoman from Kirkland, said in a letter to supporters that recent "family matters" coupled with health problems for her elderly parents and her sister had triggered her withdrawal.

"When I kicked off my campaign for Congress, one of my key themes was the importance of our families' future. Well, it is my turn to shape the future for my own family, I need to be there for my mother, father and my sister," Hague wrote.

Hague, 57, will remain county councilwoman in county District 11 and plans to seek re-election to that seat, said Jennifer Hildebrand, a member of Hague's congressional-campaign staff.

Hildebrand declined to say what family matters had prompted Hague's decision to leave the race, but she said they would not interfere with Hague's work at the county. Hague's parents are elderly and her sister has multiple sclerosis.

Hildebrand said Hague had made the decision within 24 hours before announcing it yesterday. Hague was not available for comment.

The news left state Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance at a loss.

"With her gone I have no idea who the candidate might be. I'm realistic," Vance said. "Jay Inslee just got very lucky today."

One other Republican had entered the race early on, only to leave when Hague became a candidate. Dr. Roger Stark, a retired heart surgeon from Redmond, said yesterday that he was considering re-entering the race but needed to discuss it with his family and supporters.

[buscrush]

Very bad news -- Hague was going to whip Inslee. Vance sounds like he's given up already.

[ClintonBeGone]

How about Jennifer Dunn?

[buscrush]

No way. She didn't give up her seat to run in another district. I think she's out for good. Or at least for 2004.

[bigfootbob]

"Very bad news -- Hague was going to whip Inslee."

She couldn't carry Bainbridge or Kitsap. Inslee appears safe this cycle. I agree about Vance. BTW-Welcome to FreeRepublic

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Looks like I'm stuck with that Pr!ck inslee for another 2 years.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

ping

[anniegetyourgun]

Welcome to FR.

[buscrush]

Thanks for the welcomes -- I'm glad I found this place.

Your probably right about Bainbridge, but I don't think Kitsap is out of reach. I heard Hague was ready to put a million bucks into the race, and she could probably raise a million, too -- that would go a long way towards boosting her name recognition outside of her county council district.

Anybody know anything about Roger Stark? Will he get back in? He has a good profile, although no experience. Somebody should at least give Inslee a run.

[bigfootbob]

"Somebody should at least give Inslee a run."

I heard there's a gal who works at Paladin Data Systems who's as sharp as a tack and well funded who may take the plunge. Inslee needs to be shown the door.

[Abram]

I didn't know Roger had dropped out. Does anyone have any more information? Updates? Inslee is going to be safe again if someone with name recognition and fund capablities doesn't run against him.

[buscrush]

Roger's running against Larry Springer for the State House in the 45th LD. Probably a good move -- he has a good profile for a state leg race.

I'm not optimistic about beating Inlsee -- time is running out to find a viable candidate unless someone with a couple million bucks of their own money to spend gets in.