With Reichert Out, Dino Rossi Seen As Possible 2018 GOP Candidate

ISSAQUAH, WA — Shocking his constituents and the local political scene, U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert announced Tuesday that he won't seek reelection in 2018. There are at least five Democrats who have already emerged to challenge him, but some prominent local Republicans are also being named to keep the district under GOP control. Reichert's 8th Congressional District seat hasn't been held by a Democrat since the 1980s, but Hillary Clinton won the 8th in the 2016 election.

Reichert, 67, said he made the decision during the August recess in consultation with his family. He was first elected to Congress in 2004 after serving as King County sheriff. He represents the 8th Congressional District, which straddles the Cascades and includes parts of Puget Sound-area cities like Sammamish, Renton, Enumclaw and Puyallup.

So far in 2017, Issaquah pediatrician Dr. Kim Schrier, former deputy King County prosecutor Jason Rittereiser, Renton mortgage broker Mona Das, Issaquah Councilman Tola Marts and former 9th Congressional District candidate Tom Cramer have all stepped up to challenge Reichert. Reichert's leaving the race gives Democrats a chance to re-take the district, but it's like a well-known Republican could step into the void.

"I thank Rep. Reichert for his many years of public service. While we did not often see eye-to-eye on many issues facing our communities, I respect the commitment of anyone who steps forward and offers their time and service," Schrier said in a press release reacting to the news. "I've made that commitment too - to step up and serve as the next representative of the 8th district in Congress. I'm not a politician - I'm a local pediatrician, a wife and a mom who is worried about where our country is headed."

Several Indivisible groups in Reichert's district have been dogging the Congressman over issues ranging from Obamacare repeal to Reichert's refusal to hold an in-person town hall meeting. Reichert has been meeting privately with Indivisible groups and has held telephone and Facebook town halls.

"Between now and the election of Reichert’s successor, President Donald Trump will cause significant damage to the country. Indivisible remains firmly committed to its mission to block Trump and his shameful agenda. Reichert has an opportunity to lower his “votes-with-Trump” percentage. Indivisible members will continue to call his offices to demand action on behalf of constituents here in the eighth district. And there is still plenty of time for a town hall meeting," the 8th Congressional District Indivisible group said in a press release Wednesday.

Chris Vance, the former chair of the Washington State Republican Party, told KUOW's The Record Wednesday that Reichert is probably getting to an age where he's "contemplating retirement." Vance also said that Reichert is probably not excited about a tough race in 2018. Despite his winning streak, Hillary Clinton carried Reichert's district in 2016, and the Democratic Party will likely invest heavily in the race.

Vance said that a likely GOP candidate for the seat is Dino Rossi, who is serving as an interim state Senator right now, but has run for governor twice before. The Stranger reported that someone had registered a domain name for Rossi already. King County Councilman Reagan Dunn and former gubernatorial candidate Bill Bryant have also been mentioned as a possible candidates.

The Record host Bill Radke even asked Vance - an outspoken Trump-hater - if he's planning to run.

Since his election in 2004, Reichert has faced a number of Democratic challengers but has won reelection handily six times. In 2012, Reichert's district was redrawn to include more rural areas in Eastern Washington, receding out of the more Democratic areas like Bellevue.

Here's Reichert's full statement:

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the greatest state in the world’s greatest nation for nearly five decades. First as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves for six years, then in the King County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years, and most recently as a seven term Member of Congress. I am humbled to have been trusted by the people of Washington’s 8th District to be their voice in Congress; it is an honor I have not taken lightly. Each and every day, I have committed to serving the 8th District and our nation with the heart of a servant.

"After spending time during the August work period with family and friends, reflecting on the past, discussing the future, and celebrating another birthday, I have decided this will be my last term and I will not run for reelection in November, 2018. It was not an easy decision but I believe it was the right one for my family and me. I have spent my entire career and devoted my life to service. I see this not just as a job, but as a calling - a calling I will not walk away from.

"Washington’s 8th Congressional District is home to the most talented people, a first-class business community, and a breathtaking natural landscape that is second to none. In my congressional career, I have always strived to improve the daily lives of my constituents and preserve the majestic beauty of our region. Whether it was through my work to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, improve our foster care system and combat sex trafficking, or secure equipment and resources for our first responders, I have taken this honor and responsibility seriously.

"Early on, the importance of trade to the region was clear. From serving on President Obama’s Export Council to battling to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank to leading the fight to pass the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement, I have always fought to give our exporters the chance to sell their goods and services around the world. Now, at this critical time, serving as the first Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade from Washington State, I remain steadfast in my commitment to Washington’s workers, manufacturers and growers – the best in the world.

"Representing over 700,000 constituents takes a team. My team, many of which have been with me since the beginning, have served our community with the heart of a servant, putting constituents before themselves. Day in and out they have helped constituents receive government funds owed to them, get answers when their questions were bogged down in government bureaucracy, and acquire necessary equipment and services for our veterans. I am immensely proud of the work my staff has done.

"This decision has been difficult to say the least but the love for my family ultimately guided me. I look forward to spending time with my wife, Julie, our three grown children and six grandchildren. They have made great sacrifices and I owe them not only my gratitude but more time together.

"As I finish my last term in the U.S. House of Representatives, I will continue to fight for hard working families, small business and all that makes our community great. I am deeply humbled by the support the people have shown since being elected in 1996 to Sheriff. Every election has been an amazing honor. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity. God has blessed my family, my team and me as we have served."

Image via U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert