Evan Smith: Kagi taking ‘second look’ at a run for State senate

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi (pictured, right) now says that she is taking a “second look” at a run for the 32nd District State senate seat that fellow Democrat Darlene Fairley is vacating.

After Fairley announced her retirement, Democratic leaders in Olympia put pressure on Kagi to run for the seat.

Kagi rejected the overtures because she has a leadership position as chairwoman of the House committee on early learning and children’s services, a position that has led to national leadership on the subject.

Now, however, she says, "Having many constituents -- and many senators -- ask me to run is making me take a second look."

The District's other representative, Democrat Maralyn Chase has already announced her candidacy for the State senate.

Kenmore Mayor David Baker has said that he would run for the Senate seat as a Republican.

Former Shoreline Mayor Cindy Ryu is running as a Democrat for Chase's seat.