Politics & Government

ELECTION: 28th District Republican Shuffle Continues With Wagemann Announcement

The Lakewood Republican has his eyes set on the Pos. 2 seat held by Democrat Tami Green.

The Republican shuffling continues in the 28th Legislative District.

A week after candidate Steve O'Ban announced his plans to run for the open seat currently occupied by Troy Kelley, Paul Wagemann says he's now eyeing the House seat held by Democrat Tami Green.

Wagemann and O'Ban are running joint campaigns for the 28th House, which could now swing from Democrat to Republican in November. Here's the announcement from Wagemann's office:

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LAKEWOOD – Lakewood business owner and military veteran Paul Wagemann today announced he has reconsidered his decision to run in the open seat in the 28th Legislative District (position1) and will instead run in position 2, setting up a rematch with Democrat incumbent Tami Green.

“I am excited Steve O’Ban has decided to once again run for the legislative seat, which he narrowly lost in 2010,” said Wagemann.  “Steve is an excellent candidate and well qualified for the State Legislature.  Together, Steve and I create a formable team in the 28th.” 

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“I applaud Paul’s decision to face off again against ultra-liberal Tami Green," said O’Ban.  “Our candidacies give voters real opportunity for change in Olympia.”

“For far too long, there has been one party rule in the State Legislature,” said Wagemann.    “This is unhealthy for any true democracy. “

“The citizens of the 28th district can count on us to fight for issues that matter the most – job creation, lower taxes, elimination of government waste and improved student achievement,” said O’Ban.

Wagemann and his wife, Linda, have lived in Lakewood for over 20 years with their two sons.  A retired U.S. Marine Corps pilot, he currently serves as a member of the Clover Park School Board, as well as the Lakewood Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee, and is an active board member of the Lakewood YMCA.

Steve O’Ban and his wife, Laurie, live in the Titlow Beach area and have two sons, who are serving in the US Army.  Steve is a constitutional law attorney, representing humanitarian groups, non-profits and workers before federal and state courts, and is currently representing families trying to restore funding for public schools.


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