Rivers claims "dominant presence" in 18th

La Center Republican Ann Rivers announced Thursday that she has raised more than $20,000 in her campaign for the 18th District seat being vacated by Rep. Jaime Herrera, R-Camas, and now holds a “commanding lead” in the crowded race.

“With numerous fundraising events scheduled . . . from February to April . . . Ann is poised to have a very strong showing at the primary,” her campaign press release said. Raising more than twice as much as any of her competitors, “Ann has proven to be a formidable candidate in the 18th,” the statement avowed.

That may be news to fellow Republican and Washougal Mayor Pro Tem Jon Russell, who announced last week that he would abandon his congressional campaign in favor of a run at the 18th, as well as Republicans Shannon Barnett, Bob Dean and Brandon Vick, Democrat Dennis Kampe and independent Richard Carson, all of whom covet the seat.

Note to voters and candidates: The August primary is still almost six months away.

Kathie Durbin