Politics & Government

ELECTION: O'Ban Makes Another Run For Legislature

The Republican is running for seat occupied by Troy Kelley, who has announced his bid for state auditor.

(Editor's note: I just received this from the office of Steve O'Ban, who is announcing his run for the state Legislature)

Today announced his campaign for State Representative in the 28th District for the same seat he ran for in 2010.

O'Ban recieved just over 47 percent of the vote against incumbent Democrat Troy Kelley, who is running for State Auditor this year, leaving the seat open.

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"When I ran last time the legislature faced large budget deficits and was struggling to pay for priorities like education," said O'Ban. "Two years later things have not improved."

O'Ban said the solution to recurring budget deficits and a struggling economy is new leadership with new ideas.

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“We have not replaced the failed leadership in Olympia that created a perennial financial crisis and continues to raise taxes on working families and small business,” said O’Ban. “And that is why our economy still has not improved, because you can’t raise taxes on small business and expect to create jobs.”

O'Ban said he decided to run again because he wants to give voters in the 28th District a voice.

“The other party has held the two State House seats in the 28th for far too long,” O'Ban said.  “We can’t keep electing the same people and expect different results.”

"Republicans have a good chance to take both seats in the 28th District," said O'Ban. "I hope voters decide to elect candidates who will put our priorities first."

O'Ban enters the race with the endorsements of Gigi Talcott, who is the last Republican to hold the seat, Lakewood Mayor Doug Ricahrdson, and County Councilmember Dick Muri.

Steve O’Ban is a constitutional law attorney who has successfully represented humanitarian groups, nonprofits and workers before the Washington State and U.S. Supreme Courts. He currently represents families trying to restore funding for public education.

O’Ban has also served as an adjunct professor teaching law at Northwest University and volunteers with an organization that serves the poorest of the poor on the Yakima Indian Reservation.

Steve and Laurie O’Ban live in the Titlow Beach area where they raised their two sons, Thomas and Landan, both serving in the US Army. Laurie is an instructor at TCC.


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