Spokane-raised Ron Sims, who has been King County Executive for the past seven years, announced Tuesday that he's running for governor.
Announcing his candidacy on a Seattle pier, Sims touted his Eastern Washington roots, and promised to work hard to improve the economy throughout the entire state.
"For too long, Eastern Washington has been relegated to the kids' table in Olympia," he said. "No more."
Sims' announcement brings to three the number of Democratic contenders for Gov. Gary Locke's seat. Locke is stepping down to spend more time with his family.
Also running: Attorney General Christine Gregoire, who plans a five-city tour tomorrow to promote her recently announced candidacy, and former state Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge, who announced he was running months before Locke decided not to run for re-election.

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