The Columbian | Serving Clark County, Washington

The Columbian is profiling the six candidates who are running for the open 3rd Congressional District seat. With Democratic U.S. Rep. Brian Baird’s retirement from Congress, the seat representing Southwest Washington has grabbed national attention as one of a handful of toss-up congressional races in the nation.

Republicans see a chance to retake control of the U.S. House and their first opportunity in a dozen years to win the 3rd. Democrats hope to hold onto the seat by coalescing around a single leading candidate. Voters’ first chance to weigh in on this important race will come in the Aug. 17 top-two primary. Ballots will be mailed late next week.

Today, The Columbian takes a closer look at three candidates of entirely different political stripes. One is a Tea Party favorite who gained fame by speaking out at a Brian Baird health care forum last year. Another is a Democratic peace advocate who sees hope in a green economy. The third is an independent who prides herself in being an "average American."

Click on the following headlines to read each profile:

David W. Hedrick: "I like to fight for what I believe"

Cheryl Crist: Try a peaceful, green economy

Norma Jean Stevens: Use common sense in budget

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