Steve Tharinger, one of three Clallam County commissioners, said Tuesday he’ll seek re-election to the post he’s held for eight years.
The Dungeness Democrat said his health is good in the wake of lymphatic cancer he fought in 2004 and ’05 and that he wants to continue public projects he has started.
Tharinger, 57, said he asked his doctors if his health could stand up to the rigors of a re-election campaign.
“They said my health is normal,” he said.
Tharinger drew an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, who called him “a trusted voice of reason” on issues that include economic development, health care, environmental concerns and fiscal responsibility.
While support from a fellow Democrat might be expected, Tharinger also received the unsolicited backing of Commissioner Mike Chapman, a Port Angeles Republican.
“Steve has my highest respect,” Chapman told Peninsula Daily News, “the way he battled cancer, the way he continued to work.
“There’s not a Democrat alive I’d rather endorse.”
Chapman said his opinion wouldn’t change even if one possible opponent to Tharinger – Sequim Mayor Walt Schubert – decides to be a Republican candidate in the election that will end Nov. 6.
