We're still well over a year away from the primary in most statehouse races, but already, folks are starting to file.

As the Tri-City Herald's Chris Mulick mentioned last week, Rep. Bob Sump, R-Republic, has decided not to run again when his term expires at the end of 2008. Seeing an opening, Edwall architect and goat rancher Sue Lani Madsen has filed for what's likely to be a well-contested primary.

And in downtown Spokane's liberal 3rd Legislative District, conservative Michael A. Novak is going to try to become the first Republican elected there since the early 1980s. He's filed to run against Rep. Timm Ormbsy, D-Spokane, a labor-oriented Democrat now serving his second term.

I was unable to reach Novak by phone, but found his extensive myspace web page. (Note: Turn down your computer's volume before clicking on this link, unless you want Enigma's 1994 hit "Return to Innocence" and it's opening chant by aboriginal Taiwanese singers echoing in your office.)

On his myspace site, you'll find a poem penned by Novak shortly before he announced his bid for a legislative seat.

Here, in part, is the piece, entitled "Corruption":

"...Is there anybody that can stand up against this injustice
There is one man
He is a different type of man
He has been told he is a tiger
Even though at one time he felt like he was no tiger
This man grew up knowing the difference between right and wrong
He fought as a soldier against dictators and warlords that were wrong
Now he sees injustice in politics and business
He is about ready to make this injustice his business
Many have told him to mind his own business because he would fail
This old soldier believes in a creed that says he will never fail
Recently he was almost destroyed from the inside out
A lady ripped his heart out
She almost destroyed his spirit
Nothing can fix a broken spirit
Until the lady with the blue eyes walked into his life
He saw a spark of hope and the true meaning of life
She breathed life back into the old soldier for him to stand up for what is right
She has given him the will to continue the fight
Now the ones that abuse their power and their might
Will soon discover a man that is willing to fight."

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