This past week the 2012 race for Washington Governor filled in a bit more and candidates lined up to consider following in Secretary of State Sam Reed’s shoes.

Last week current U.S. Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA) launched his bid for Washington Governor. This follows on the announcement earlier this month by Washington’s Attorney General Rob McKenna that he would seek the Governorship. 

Other names continue to be rumored as potential candidates- such as Bill Bryant, Seattle Port Commissioner; Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive;  and Brian Sonntag, Washington State Auditor- though no one else has officially declared.

Also last week current Secretary of State Sam Reed announced that he would retire from his positon after a 35-year run in public office. This announcement opened the door for potential candidates.

State Senator Jim Kastama (D-Puyallup) and Kim Wyman (Thurston County Auditor – R) both formerly announced that they would seek the position of Secretary of State in 2012.

Other potential candidates rumored to be interested in the Secretary of State role include State Representative Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila), Kathleen Drew (Policy Advisor to Governor Gregoire), State Senator Craig Pridemore (D-Vancouver), and former State Senator Eric Oemig (D-Kirkland).