Stewart backs out of commissioner race

Jeanne Stewart withdrew on Monday from the race for Clark County commissioner.

Stewart, a Vancouver City councilwoman, filed last week to run against Commissioner Steve Stuart, a Democrat who has been on the board since his appointment in 2004.

Stewart, whose seat on the city council is non-partisan, filed as a Republican.

A second Republican, developer Alan Svehaug, also filed. In a press release, he was described as being against bridge tolls and in favor of making it less expensive for developers to build homes in the county.

Jeanne Stewart said last week she was running because she felt the county could be an economic force and she wanted to be a part of seeing that happen. She said she respects Stuart.

“”This is not like I have a bone to pick with him,” she said last week. “Sometimes in politics, you have to fight for the right to be at the table to represent the citizens.”

She called The Columbian on Monday afternoon and left a message saying she had withdrawn.

She later e-mailed a statement that said, “At this time, it has become very clear to me, that continuing the work on the Vancouver City Council is the most important work for me to do. Very difficult decisions need to be made over the next six months or more and it will be important for experienced council members to participate in those decisions. That work needs to be done without distractions, complications or questions about conflicting priorities. This is my commitment.”

Auditor Greg Kimsey, who oversees county elections, said Stewart will not be refunded her $972 filing fee.

Filing fees equal 1 percent of the position’s annual salary.

Commissioners serve four-year terms. Commissioners Marc Boldt and Tom Mielke are not up for re-election until 2012.

The general election is Nov. 2.