Ex-state Republican Party chair to challenge Cantwell

  • The Associated Press
  • Monday, May 21, 2018 2:09pm
  • News

The Associated Press

SEATTLE — Former state Republican Party chair Susan Hutchison, a loyal supporter of President Donald Trump, will challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell.

Hutchison, who filed just before the candidate-filing deadline Friday, is the best-known of more than two-dozen challengers seeking to unseat the three-term Democrat.

“I have just been watching the situation and I think that a sitting senator who is known for doing nothing for us does not deserve a fourth term,” Hutchison said in an interview with The Seattle Times. “She is a fake senator. She is a ghost in the state and in the Senate.”

Hutchison also called Cantwell “a leader of the left-wing elite that are destroying our state.”

A Cantwell spokesperson did not immediately respond for a request for comment.

State Democratic Party spokeswoman Ansley Lacitis dismissed Hutchison’s prospects.

“We’re confident with our chances with Sen. Maria Cantwell, a woman who has been fighting for Washington state her whole career,” she said.

Before Hutchison’s filing, Cantwell had faced only little-known rivals, including perennial candidates, a Seattle police captain and a right-wing rally organizer.

Hutchison is a former television news anchor who became state Republican Party chair in 2013.

She stepped down earlier this year amid speculation she might be appointed to a position in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Hutchison as GOP chair strongly defended the president, even from attacks by other Republicans.

She also was criticized after revelations during the 2016 presidential race about Trump’s lewd comments in a leaked 2005 Access Hollywood tape, in which he boasted about groping women.

While Hutchison called the comments “repulsive,” she also said Trump had been “a Democrat at the time.”

In 2009, Hutchison lost a race for King County executive to Dow Constantine.

More in News

Mike Chapman.
Chapman leads Kelbon for district Senate seat

Mike Chapman was leading the 24th Legislative District state Senate… Continue reading

Steve Tharinger.
Tharinger leads Roberts for state House position

Incumbent Steve Tharinger outpaced Terry Roberts in a race for… Continue reading

Three state ballot initiatives rejected

Fourth measure passing with narrow margin

Two-lane bypass to open on Saturday

Construction crews will open a two-lane bypass for U.S. Highway… Continue reading

Heather Dudley-Nollette.
Dudley-Nollette wins Jefferson County seat

Heather Dudley-Nollette defeated fellow Democrat Ben Thomas for the… Continue reading

15 members voted to sit on Charter Review Commission

Fifteen candidates emerged as charter review commissioners out of… Continue reading

Adam Bernbaum.
Bernbaum leads Roberson for state House seat

Democrat Adam Bernbaum led Republican Matthew Roberson in the race… Continue reading

Clallam County Sheriff’s Office investigating woman’s death in Sequim

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into… Continue reading

Emily Randall.
Randall wins 6th Congressional District seat

Reproductive freedom, abortion access will be top priorities, she says

Three of four statewide initiatives failing

Three of the four statewide initiatives were failing in initial… Continue reading

Tharinger, Bernbaum, Chapman leading in 24th Legislative District

Incumbent Steve Tharinger and newcomer Adam Bernbaum were leading in… Continue reading

Dudley-Nollette wins Jefferson County commissioner seat

Heather Dudley-Nollette won the District 1 seat on the… Continue reading