Susan Fagan, whose work for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories means she's not a stranger in Olympia, has raised more than $20,000 in her run for the state House seat now held by Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax. The district covers a large swath of southeastern Washington, including the Palouse and part of southern Spokane County.

"I am thankful that, given the difficult economy, people realize having an advocate in Olympia who understands agriculture and job creation is worth investing in," Fagan said in a press release.

Fagan's trying to tap into the district's heavy ag vote by forming "Farmers for Fagan," chaired by Farmington's Bruce Nelson, a former president of the state wheat growers' association.

Pat Hailey of Mesa, the wife of late state Rep. Steve Hailey, has also said she'll run if Cox doesn't in November. Cox was appointed recently to the seat after Steve Hailey died suddenly from cancer.

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