Former Idaho state senator challenges Washington lawmaker

A former Idaho state lawmaker wants the same job in Washington.

Branden Durst announced Monday he is challenging a fellow Democrat, Rep. David Sawyer of Parkland.

In Idaho, Durst served two terms in the House and part of a Senate term. He resigned in 2013 after splitting time between Boise and the Seattle area where his wife had moved, according to news reports.

It’s rare – but not unprecedented – for a former member of one state’s legislature to win election to another state’s legislature.

Durst, a consultant, said in his announcement he would focus on education and reforming campaign finance and the courts, and would pursue “social service partnerships.”

“Engaging our non-profit and faith-based partners in social services will increase effectiveness and reduce costs to taxpayers. Mental health, substance abuse and poverty must be a top priority in Olympia and we need help from wherever we can get it,” Durst said in his announcement.

Retired Army Col. Rick Thomas announced last week he would run as an “independent Republican.”

Democrats tend to have a strong advantage in the 29th District that includes parts of Tacoma, Lakewood, Parkland, Spanaway and Frederickson.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Former Idaho state senator challenges Washington lawmaker."