Ventrella Withdraws

With his name on the ballot and the primary around the corner, area sportscaster Tony Ventrella has apparently withdrawn from the 8th Congressional District House race.  In a long statement on his facebook page, Ventrella said that in his quest to get big money out of politics, he was unable to raise the needed amount to stage a race.  The Eastside Democrat had flirted with running for the position for years.

Democrats Caucus At Snoqualmie Pass

Television personality Tony Ventrella, who has just filed as a Democratic candidate for Washington's 8th District House of Representatives, addresses the crowd.  Delegates from Washington's 8th CD gathered at the Snoqualmie Pass Fire Station to caucus.
Two other Democrats vying for Dave Reichert's congressional seat also spoke.  Alida Skold and Santiago Ramos round out the field.  Republican Reichert is also running to keep the seat.   One presidential elector was chosen. Delegates for Clinton and Sanders to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia were also picked.  I came up short in my quest to become a national delegate for Hilary Clinton, but get another chance next month.

Ventrella Seeks Reichert's House Seat

Tony Ventrella, long time Seattle area TV sportscaster, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House Of Representatives.  The 8th Congressional District, which covers Maple Valley and Issaquah, now extends east into Chelan and Kittitas Counties.  It is the only district in the state that has never elected a Democrat.
Ventrella, who describes himself as a moderate Democrat, has long been considered a potential candidate for Congress.  He has vowed not to take contributions from political action committees or big checks from wealthy donors.  His strengths are name familiarity from decades on the evening news and his likability.   He most likely would be thought of as a consensus builder who would reach across the aisle. 
Dave Reichert, the former King County sheriff, has held the seat since 2004.

Ventrella May Sit Out Race

Sources now tell me that Tony Ventrella will not be a candidate for the 8th district seat. The feeling is that the family oriented Ventrella has found that a campaign would be very taxing as far as time and effort. Ventrella seems to be very civic minded and may feel that he can find other ways to benefit his community. What remains to be seen is whether this means clear sledding for Darcy Burner or if the move to draft Ross Hunter will take on a new life.

Tony Ventrella--Now A Candidate

Sources tell me that Tony Ventrella is now a declared Democratic candidate for Washington's 8th US Congressional district. Ventrella becomes the second media figure to seek the position. KIRO talk show host Dave Ross sought the then vacant seat in 2004, losing to Sheriff Dave Reichert. Darcy Burner, who lost to Reichert last year is also seeking support for a 2008 run.

Ventrella For Congress?

Tony Ventrella's unannounced drop by at a Democratic State Committee Meeting last month, has sparked rumours of a possible bid for Congress. Ventrella, former sportscaster on just about every station at one time or another in the Puget Sound area, lives in the 8th Congressional District, where Republican Dave Reichert has hung on to by the skin of his teeth.
Ventrella's probable strengths in the general election could be a weakness in a primary election, his congenial style has potential crossover appeal, but the Democratic rank and file tend to favor a candidate who would be more outspoken and blunt.
So far, 2006 candidate Darcy Burner has not announced her intentions.