Several Republicans are leaving elected offices in eastern Washington, leaving room for new conservatives [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. – Pam Haley is running for State Senator Mike Padden’s office. Brandi Peetz is running for State Representative Leonard Christian’s office. Two elected officials in the City of Spokane are running for US Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ seat. It’s a new era for Republican politics in eastern Washington.

With Padden, Christian and McMorris Rodgers choosing not to seek reelection, they leave a new generation of Republicans hungry for leadership opportunities to contend for their offices. That became particularly clear this week with several new campaign announcements.

There are several Republicans running for Padden’s seat. Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley threw her hat into the ring this week alongside State Representative Leonard Christian according to The Spokesman Review. Spokane Valley City Council Member Al Merkel and local businessman Mike Kelly are also running for the seat.

While both Haley and Merkel are Republicans on city council, it is clear that there is no love lost between the candidates. In an email to …