The number of candidate's for Central Washington's 4th Congressional District seat climbed into double digits for Thursday as a second Democrat and an independent joined the crowd.

Tony Sandoval, a Yakima businessman, filed as a Democrat. Richard Wright of Kennewick, who ran unsuccessfully against Doc Hastings in 2006, filed as an independent.

So for those keeping track at home, there are now seven Republicans: George Cicotte, Clint Didier, Kevin Midbust, Janea Holmquist Newbry, Dan Newhouse, Gavin Seim and Glen Stockwell; two Democrats: Estakio Beltran and Sandoval, and one independent, Wright.

Candidate filing closes tomorrow. Those filing in person at secretary of state's office have until 5 p.m. Those filing at a county elections office have until the normal closing time for that office; in Spokane County, that's 4 p.m.

Online filing is available for all positions. It closes at 4 p.m.

---

---