State Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, is the first candidate to file with the Federal Election Commission to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert for his congressional seat.
Just two months after winning his legislative seat for the third time in Kirkland’s 45th District, Goodman will run for the 8th Congressional District in 2012, according to an FEC filing on Monday.
Reichert, who beat former Microsoft executive Suzan DelBene in November, is currently serving his fourth term. He has not announced yet if he will run again for the congressional seat in 2012.
“All of my closest supporters and family have told me that I have to take a look at 2012 now because I’m ready to step up to the next level,” Goodman told the Reporter. “After two months of deliberation, they’re right. I have to set sail on this venture – I couldn’t wait.”
Goodman currently lives in U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee’s 1st District, just a few streets away from the 8th District, he noted. However, “it looks like the political landscape is going to be shifting literally in my backyard,” said Goodman, adding his Kirkland residence could wind up being in one of three congressional districts – the 8th, 1st or the state’s new 10th District. “We don’t know which one.”
It makes sense for now to run for the 8th District, he said.
“I’ve made the decision to run and the most logical place for me to run is in the 8th District and if circumstances change, seats vacate, I’ll take a look at what my best chances would be,” said Goodman.
As a champion for children and innovator in public safety, Goodman said he is ready to take those issues and others to the next level.
“I would be a stark contrast to the current congressman of the 8th District, who is a very good public servant but hasn’t been much of a powerhouse in Congress,” he said of Reichert. “He has gotten one bill passed – an example of his limited effectiveness.”
Goodman has has introduced 27 bills, 23 of which are still active, he noted.
So far, the response he has received has been “very enthusiastic” and he looks forward to bringing his “common sense approach” to the federal level.
But for now, he will stay focused on his legislative seat. “I’m spending 12 to 14 hours per day in Olympia,” said Goodman. “I’m engaging in minimal fund-raising activities, but 100 percent of my work in Olympia is state matters. I’m not sneaking off the floor of the house to engage in campaign matters. You have to be loyal to the institution you’re in.”
For more information, visit www.rogergoodmanforcongress.com.
