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Politics Northwest

The Seattle Times political team explores national, state and local politics.

June 23, 2011 at 1:50 PM

Inslee's announcement clears way for 1st District contenders

With U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee finally making his announcement for governor next week, the field already is starting to take shape in the race to succeed him in Congress.

Former Democratic state Rep. Laura Ruderman recently made her intentions known, saying she'd run if Inslee doesn't.

And now comes word that state Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, also will seek the 1st Congressional District seat in 2012.

Goodman had initially filed to ostensibly run against Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert in the 8th District. But a source familiar with his plans says Goodman will amend his FEC paperwork to indicate a 1st District campaign.

That makes sense, since Goodman lives in Inslee's district, not Reichert's.

District-shopping Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich is also a possibility.

On the Republican side, James Watkins, who lost to Inslee last year, has filed to run again.