Barring effective write-in challenges, lots of state lawmakers are getting a free ride to re-election this year.

Two dozen state lawmakers, including local Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville and Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, are running without even a token opponent on the ballot.

Among them:
-Rep. Al O'Brien, D-Seattle,
-Rep. Cary Condotta, R-E. Wenatchee,
-Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum,
-Sen. Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla,
-Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia,
-Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle,
-Rep. Sharon Santos, D-Seattle,
-Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon,
-and Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island.

The list is much, much longer for the judicial branch of government, where lawyers tend to be understandably reluctant to challenge sitting judges for office.

---

---