I live in Washington State's 43rd Legislative District, surely one of the most fervidly Democratic districts in the entire United States (as a point of reference, "Baghdad Jim" McDermott represented the 43rd in the state legislature before he took his talents to the U.S. Congress). Not only are all three of the 43rd's state legislators Democrats, but no Republican has ever even run for the legislature from the 43rd in more than a decade. Both of our representatives, Ed Murray and Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, have run unopposed, Fidel Castro-style, in all of their respective races since the mid '90s. Until this year.

A fine Republican named Mark Griswold is challenging Frank Chopp in November. Mark allies himself with the Mainstream Republicans. His campaign is focused on freeing the economy from burdensome regulations; fiscal responsibility in education, and smarter public transportation -- all issues on which Frank Chopp has failed.

Mark worked for the Senate Republican Caucus in Olympia last session and was encouraged to run by leading Republicans in the legislature. His colleagues describe him as "fearless", which is what you have to be to challenge a sitting Speaker. There is a precedent around here for such an electoral coup d'etat -- last November the young Bob Ferguson challenged 20-year incumbent Cynthia Sullivan for County Council, and won. It could happen again.

Of course it's a long-shot, but voters deserve a sensible alternative to the failed stale statist status quo; Frank Chopp deserves to be challenged on the issues, and Republicans in the 43rd deserve to know that they're not alone.

Join me in supporting Mark Griswold for State Representative.

If you're near Green Lake tomorrow morning, May 4, Mark will be having a Krispy Kreme Fundraiser, 730AM – 9AM at the Corner of Ravenna Way & NE 70th St (near Gregg’s Greenlake Cycle). I'll be there from about 8:30 on.