Mike Appel drops out of state representative race

Vancouver purchasing agent Mike Appel announced on Monday evening that he will no longer seek election to the 17th Legislative District seat held by Rep. Tim Probst, D-Vancouver.

Appel, who describes himself as an “independent conservative Republican with a bit of a Libertarian streak” who is not the “chosen establishment pick by either political party,” said he had difficulty raising the money needed to run an effective campaign.

Through his campaign website, Appel said he plans to proportionally return his unused campaign donation to those who gave money to his campaign.

Probst has said he will not seek re-election and instead will run against incumbent state Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver. So far, three candidates have filed to replace Probst. They are Republican school board president Julie Olson, Democratic teaching coach Monica Stonier and Republican Matthew Homola.