It's no surprise many Republicans were disappointed when John Koster decided not to fill the void left by Rick Bart, to take on sitting County Executive Aaron Reardon. Indeed, even members of the press are hoping for a Republican candidate, if for no other reason than to give them something interesting to write about this fall. Well, there's a candidate now. After much thought and consideration I've decided to throw my own hat into the ring and make a run for County Executive.

Since John Koster graciously declined to run there has been a palpable buzz in Republican circles, seeking a candidate to make Aaron Reardon work hard for re-election. I received some of those calls and emails. Honestly, my first response wasn't to say yes. But, after dozens of phone calls to leading Republicans, grassroots activists, and key donors, I reached the conclusion that while a perfect campaign isn't possible starting at this late juncture, there is more than enough spirit and enthusiasm to make the race highly competitive.

As I've said here before, I know Aaron Reardon, respect him, and like him personally. Yet, we don't share the same vision for how county government ought to be run. We don't share the same ideas for what the priorities of county government ought to be. For example, while I support much of the work Sound Transit has done in Snohomish County, I cannot abide by the fleecing of local taxpayers in the next round of Sound Transit to pay for King County's light rail system. Likewise, I don't believe our County Executive should be taking a lead role in pursing environmental policies are more likely to seriously harm our local economy than to prevent global warming.

Now, I'm sure Aaron or his supporters will try to claim I'm too young for the job. However, I'm older than the age at which he ran for his current term, plus I have a more diversified resume than he possessed in 2003 as well. As such, I look forward to a robust and animated race, in which we can both maintain our civility.

Tomorrow, I'll be resigning from my position at the US Department of Education to campaign full time. This will not be easy for my immediate family, but my loving wife has given the effort her full blessing. As you might also imagine, my dad, the last Republican candidate for this office, is equally supportive. While he can't directly aid in the campaign because of his position on the Puget Sound Growth Management Hearing Board, I'll have his active support in spirit. During his own campaign, I worked with many of the key donors and Republican leaders who made his efforts possible. While Reardon has pressured many traditional Republican donors to support his current cause, I've found more than enough willingness among potential contributors and activists to believe this effort is well worth my time.

After discussing the matter with Stefan, I will also be leaving Sound Politics as well. That turn of events gives me little joy, but we both agreed it simply makes the most sense for the good graces of both Sound Politics and my campaign. I will miss this "work" immensely.

For now though, I hope many readers will wish me well in this endeavor. My website, www.ericearling.com, will be going live in the next few days, giving those interested ample opportunities to get involved.

As you might imagine, this has all unfolded very quickly, but it was important for me and for Snohomish County Republicans to get a candidate in the race as soon as possible. Honestly, I haven't even decided on a campaign slogan yet. I'd welcome your suggestions, but for now I was simply thinking of:

April Fools...