Hue Beattie has announced he is going to run for the 40th District State Senate seat being vacated by Harriet Spanel. Hue is known to most, if not all, political junkies in Whatcom County. He has been a citizen activist for over 30 years and a key player in the Democratic Party for many years. He was previously elected to the Home Rule Charter Review Commission in 2004.

Hue announced his intentions yesterday at the Whatcom County Democrats meeting at Whatcom Community College. There may be as many as ten candidates filing for this open seat. What will be interesting is we could end up with two Democrats winning the Primary Election in August and running against each other in November. The 40th is a very progressive district and Republicans will have a challenge even making it past the new open primary election.

Hue has helped on many local projects and issues over the years. He helpled start the original Bellingham Farmers Market, as one example. He is a Veteran, having served eight years in the Navy in the Submarine Service. He has always been ready to help needy causes and has been generous with his time. Even his profession helps people in need as his Beattie Locksmith business, with son Tom as a partner, help people with lock solutions, including folks who lock themselves out of their cars. Their specially equiped truck can be seen in all parts of the county. As such, Hue knows most everybody.

Hue, we welcome you to the race for the big prize. Harriet's Senate seat will certainly be the hot local race this fall.