WA-03: Baird Will Retire

[ccharles000]

In another setback for the bean-counters over at the DCCC, Democrats will have to defend yet another competitive open seat next year. Tim Sahd has the scoop:

Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) announced his retirement tonight, becoming the third Dem in a vulnerable seat to announce his departure in the last few weeks. "The time has now come to pursue other options, other ways of serving. Hence, I am announcing today that I do not intend to seek reelection to Congress in 2010," Baird wrote in a statement. "This is not an easy decision to be sure, but I believe it is the right decision at the right time."

The CD, with a Cook PVI of EVEN, is a very fertile open seat for GOPers to attack. Washougal City Councilor Jon Russell (R) and WA House GOP caucus ex-CoS David Castillo (R) were already running and prepared to face Baird. Several new candidates are likely to emerge.

Obama carried this district by a 52-46 margin, but Bush won it twice by two-point spreads in both 2004 and 2000. There's no word yet on who Democrats plan to recruit here, but I would expect big moves on both sides of the fence in the coming days.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/6004/wa03-baird-will-retire

[tritsofme]

1. These are the types of things you don't like to hear about.

Baird is only 53, and has gotten over 60% in his last four reelection campaigns.

Not good to see guys like this head to the exit.