John McKibbin, former president of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and a former three-term Clark County commissioner, is considering running for Congress as an independent candidate.

McKibbin said in a statement that he is among many Southwest Washington residents who are frustrated with both political parties over their failure to deal with the size of the federal deficit and “unbridled spending by Congress.”

“Our Congress is nearly out of control, and our elected officials are showing little or no regard for the growing deficit and its far-reaching consequences,” McKibbin said.

U.S. Rep. Brian Baird’s announcement this month that he would not seek a seventh term serving the 3rd Congressional District has drawn candidates and potential candidates from across the political spectrum. McKibbin would be the first to seek the post as an independent.

“I fully recognize the historical difficulties and concerns of running as an independent in any election, but these are extraordinary times that require challenging conventional thinking,” McKibbin said.

He said he would speak with people throughout the district before making a decision.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia, issued a statement saying he would not run for the 3rd District seat. His name had been on a list of Democrats considering the race.

“My family cannot afford a self-financing arms race, nor can I afford the preoccupation of campaigning while my 22nd Legislative District is at peril from cuts during the 2010 session,” he said.

18th District race

Two men confirmed that they will run for the 18th Legislative District seat held by Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Camas. Herrera formally announced her candidacy for Congress this week, and state law prohibits candidates from seeking more than one position in an election.

Richard Carson, former director of the Clark County Department of Community Development, said he will run for the seat as an independent because he has lost faith in the major parties.

“Both parties are more concerned about the special interests who are lining their pockets than they are about what their constituents want,” he said.

Carson, who lives in Hockinson and describes himself as a “semi-retired” consultant, is active in the campaign to stop the Bonneville Power Administration from building a transmission line through his community.

Dennis Kampe, director of the Clark County Skills Center for 19 years, confirmed that he will seek the 18th District seat as a Democrat.

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