Belcher Won’t Join Democratic Field

Wed., March 27, 1996

Associated Press

The Democratic field for governor apparently is now complete, with Land Commissioner Jennifer Belcher’s decision to forgo the race and instead run for re-election.

The Olympia Democrat, a former 10-year state House member and aide to both Republican Gov. Dan Evans and Democratic Gov. Dixy Lee Ray, told reporters she’s convinced she could win a crowded gubernatorial primary, but has decided to pass.

Democrats said Belcher was the last major potential candidate they were watching for a decision, leaving the party with four contenders to succeed retiring Gov. Mike Lowry. They are Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, King County Executive Gary Locke and state Senate budget Chairwoman Nita Rinehart, all Seattle; and Jay Inslee, a former Eastern Washington congressman now living on Bainbridge Island.

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