MARYSVILLE Obviously, the presidential election coming in November has gotten lots of media attention and that attention is guaranteed to continue.
Still, local voters have quite a few Washington state races to decide beginning with the Aug. 19 primary.
The filing deadline for that primary came and went June 6. The following is based on information provided by the Snohomish County Auditors office.
Races of local interest include challenges to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash. Two Democratic challengers include Glen Johnson of Mount Vernon and Doug Schaffer of Snohomish.
In the fall, the winner of the Aug. 19 Democratic Primary will face Republican challenger Rick Bart, the former Snohomish County Sheriff who lives in Marysville.
In Olympia, seats in the state House and Senate are up for grabs. Races of local interest include the 10th, 38th, 39th and 44th legislative districts.
In the 10th, longtime incumbent state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen faces challenges from Republican Linda Haddon of Oak Harbor and Sarah Hart, who is listed as representing Americas Third Party.
In the House, incumbent Republican Norma Smith of Clinton faces Democrat Tim Knue of Mount Vernon. Smith was appointed to replace former Rep. Chris Strow, who resigned.
In Position 2 of the 10th District, incumbent Republican Barbara Bailey will be challenged by Democrats Ann McDonald of Greenbank and Patricia Terry of Stanwood.
The 10th District is centered largely around Stanwood. Moving south to the 38th District, Democrat and Position 1 incumbent Rep. John McCoy of Tulalip faces a challenge from Chris Larson of Everett, who stated no party affiliation.
Position 2 incumbent Rep. Mike Sells of Everett will run unopposed.
The large 39th legislative district includes Arlington and areas to the south and east. For the 39th Senate position, Republican state Sen. Val Stevens of Arlington will face Democrat Fred Walser of Monroe.
For Position 1 in the 39th House District, Republican Rep. Dan Kristiansen will face a challenge by Democratic Scott Olson of Monroe. For Position 2, incumbent Republican Kirk Pearson will be challenged by Democrat David Personius of Arlington and Samantha Hicks of Lake Stevens, who did not voice a party preference.
The 44th District covers the east side of Marysville and areas south. For Position 1, Democratic state Rep. Hans Dunshee of Snohomish faces Republican challenger Larry Countryman, also of Snohomish.
For Position 2, Democratic state Rep. Liz Loomis of Snohomish will try to fend off Republican Mike Hope of Everett.
Numerous other state level offices also will be decided this year, beginning with the August primary. At the top in Olympia, some nine candidates filed to challenge Gov. Christine Gregoire. Most notably, the Democrat will have a rematch with Republican Dino Rossi.
State level races also will involve the lieutenant governors spot, secretary of state, Washington treasurer, auditor, attorney general and the superintendent of public instruction. In the last race, incumbent Terry Bergeson faces five challengers.
To find out which state legislative district you live in, contact the Snohomish County Auditors office at 425-388-3411 or visit the auditors Web site at www1.snohomish.wa.us.