Marco Lowe, who managed KIRO radio host Dave Ross’ unsuccessful 2004 bid for Congress against Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn), readdresses the topic of 8th district politics in an article for The Stranger this week.

He mentions the importance of recruiting candidates early so that they may begin identifying voters as soon as possible, and urges candidates to make a better effort in Pierce County, where Reichert has won each of his three races by sizeable margins.

Lowe also suggests that the key to turning the 8th district blue is to focus on local issues to try to nullify Reichert’s moderate voting record on widely popular issues like the environment and public safety.

The issue of potential candidates comes up, as well, and Lowe advocates for nominating a previously elected official over someone with private sector or media experience. So far Reichert, having run against Ross once and Darcy Burner twice, has never had to face one.

Lowe mentions three potential candidates, state Reps. Ross Hunter (D-Bellevue), Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) and Christopher Hurst (D-Enumclaw).

In 2008, state Sen. Rodney Tom (D-Medina) considered running and raised some money before clearing the way for Burner once her fundraising prowess became clear. Although Hunter never ran, there was a movement to draft him in 2008, and longtime KING-TV sportscaster Tony Ventrella, perhaps the reason for Lowe’s elected official caveat, has also been a rumored candidate off and on for years.