Not to be a nag, but today is the last day for candidates to file for office. And if you're waiting until the last minute, remember that the offices close at different times, depending on what individual counties are facing in terms of budget problems.

In Spokane County, the office closes at 4 p.m. In Olympia, the Secretary of State's office closes at 5 p.m. For a list of some other elections offices around Eastern Washington, click here to see an early post.

The U.S. Senate race grew to a baker's dozen with the addition of Mohammad Said, an Ephrata physician. He's run before as a Democrat, this time he lists a preference for "the Centrist Party."

Speaking of the Senate race, Politico has a long piece on the courting of Dino Rossi by Republicans in the other Washington. Washington state Democrats are flagging it a sign Rossi's an insider; a more balanced read would suggest that Rossi will have plenty of resources to run against Murray if he beats Clint Didier and the gaggle of other candidates in the Aug. 17 primary. Didier got in the race Thursday, apparently choosing to ignore the admonition from another would-be Republican challenger, Sean Salazar, who wrote an open letter on Red County urging Didier to drop in favor of Rossi.

(Salazar it should be noted, is not exactly a model of consistency on this point. Two weeks ago, his campaign spokeswoman said he was sticking in the race: “He’s not going anywhere. We’ve put so much work into this campaign, the volunteers are saying ‘You better not jump the race.’” who two weeks ago said )

Perhaps the Republicans will sort all this out in Vancouver, where they are gathering for their state convention. Delegates have a dinner with guest speaker Michelle Malkin tonight. Candidates speak to the assembled body on Saturday.

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