John McKibbin, former president of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and a former three-term Clark County commissioner, has decided against running for Congress despite his concern about the federal deficit and what he regards as “unbridled spending by Congress.”
“My passion has not ebbed at all,” McKibbin said Wednesday. “I feel extremely concerned about what’s going on. But I decided that the sacrifices that would be required by my family, my friends and my supporters would not be justified.”
McKibbin, 62, who had planned to run as an independent, said he had doubts about how much influence he could wield as a freshman in the 435-member House of Representatives. His responsibilities to an elderly parent also influenced his decision not to seek the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, he said.
McKibbin said he would continue to speak out about his concerns.
“I’ve heard words of fear and concern about dramatic and fundamental changes in who we are as a nation,” he said. “There is a huge discontent with where Congress is going. The more important thing is to shed light on this issue.
“My biggest concern is that both parties have let us down.”
