Governor endorses Denny Heck for Congress

By Kathie Durbin
Columbian staff writer

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

photo

Steven Lane, The Columbian

Denny Heck

Gov. Chris Gregoire has endorsed Olympia businessman and former state legislator Denny Heck in his campaign for the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Brian Baird.

“Denny Heck is a rare candidate for public office — one with a broad and deep background both in public service, and more recently in the private sector, with a proven track record of growing businesses and creating jobs,” the governor said in a statement sent via her campaign e-mail Wednesday.

Gregoire called Heck’s background “truly exceptional,” noting that prior to his work in the private sector, he represented Clark County in the Washington legislature and served as chief of staff to Gov. Booth Gardner, then ”turned his passion for open, transparent government into a reality as the co-founder and original CEO of TVW, our state’s award winning public affairs network.”

Heck, a Democrat who was born in Vancouver and attended Clark County schools, has spent the last decade investing in businesses, growing companies and creating real jobs around the Pacific Northwest, the governor said.

“We don’t need to tell you these are some of the most difficult times in decades,” she said. “Unemployment remains high a full two years after the onset of this recession, and families are still worried about keeping up with mortgages and the stability of their jobs. Washington State needs strong public servants and leaders who understand how to grow businesses and create jobs as we work towards economic recovery.”

Heck has invested $100,000 of his own money in his campaign and raised another $115,000 in the final eight days of 2009, giving him a substantial head start on fund-raising in the highly competitive 3rd District contest.

Three Clark County legislators, Sen. Craig Pridemore and Rep. Deb Wallace, both Democrats, and Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Camas, also are candidates for the seat.

“We know and respect the other candidates in the race, and consider them fine public servants,” Gregoire said. “However, this is a unique time for our country and we believe Denny Heck is a candidate who can win in November and start fighting for southwest Washington in Congress on day one.”

Also signing Gregoire’s endorsement letter were Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, former Gov. Gardner, and former 3rd District Congressman Don Bonker.

Kathie Durbin: 36-735-4523 or kathie.durbin@columbian.com.

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Comments

Too bad for Heck. With the Governor's waning popularity - especially in SW Washington, this may be the kiss of death for Denny.

Craig_Sayre — January 27, 2010 at 2:31 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

This will be the first race locally that we have a chance to really look at all of the candidates, put political party aside, and vote in a candidate that will start to make some REAL change in Congress.

Ace_High — January 27, 2010 at 3:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

What the Heck do we care! Maybe we will get lucky and President Obama will endorse him too! That will make Craig Pridemore a shoo-in.

NoRuleOfLaw — January 27, 2010 at 3:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

This immediately gives me a negative perception of Heck.

LB — January 27, 2010 at 3:57 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Well, that cinches it. He won't get my vote. Thanks for making up my mind -- Christine.

Watcr — January 27, 2010 at 4:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

If Gregoire endorses him then that's a pretty strong message he ain't the right pick. Pretty bad when a democrat don't like the democrat governor.

vancouverphil — January 27, 2010 at 4:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Baird is looking better every day. And he looked good before.

zippy_skippy — January 27, 2010 at 5:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Well, will he support the Congressional act of 2010? If not, the hell with him. We don't need a person, GOP, or Demo, that's going to follow the party line. We need a person who will work for the taxpayers. No matter what party, they need to sign on the the "act of 2010" that's been posted here. It's that simple, the people or forget it.

Allen — January 27, 2010 at 8:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

When people are able to get past their knee-jerk reactions and take the time to look at Mr. Heck as a person, as a business person, as a former legislator and an active member of the community, they will find a bright, thoughtful, balanced and informed individual that has the right balance to truly represent the citizens of CD-3.

pgh7989 — January 27, 2010 at 9:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

I honestly don't care what type of person Mr. Heck is. Mr. Heck represents Olympia and thus that's enough for me to not vote for him. I want someone familiar with Southwest Washington, not just Olympia. This district is far too Gerrymandered.

The fact that the Columbian just published the story that the Governor Gregoire broke campaign finance law with her endorsement seals the deal. He has about as much chance as a snowflake in Heck.

MovingMike — January 28, 2010 at 6:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Does Denny Heck actually live in Olympia right now? After the census and redistricting, it's doubtful Olympia will even be part of the 3rd. I intend to vote for someone who lives (and has lived) closer to Vancouver. There is more than just Seattle in this state.

LB — January 28, 2010 at 7:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )