[img_assist|nid=980|title=Kevin Haistings|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=120|height=180]Longtime Seattle Police Officer, Republican Kevin Haistings of Carnation, has announced his intention to run for Rep. Larry Springer's seat in the 45th District. Springer, the Democrat from Kirkland, is the House Majority Floor Leader and was first elected to his seat four years ago. Haistings has worked in law enforcement for 23 years, and is a past president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild.

He plans to focus his campaign on reducing the achievement gap in the state's public schools, relieving congestion on the roads and "putting families before felons in public safety."

"As a police officer and first responder, I have seen the impact of Olympia's spending problem and the negative impact it has in our communities," Haistings said in a press release. "We have to get our priorities straight. I will work to balance the state budget while balancing our priorities of education, transportation and public safety. We must do better!"