Semler drops out of OSPI race

Richland Schools Superintendent Rich Semler is dropping his bid to become the state’s next superintendent for public instruction.

He told the Herald’s Sara Schilling yesterday that his wife Ginny is suffering from health problems — one of her kidneys appears to be failing — and that he needs to tend to her needs.

To date Semler had been building a formidable campaign against incumbent Terry Bergeson. He’d raised more than $60,000 through April and had gotten the endorsement of the powerful Washington Education Association.

Semler’s decision leaves former legislator Randy Dorn as Bergeson’s most formidable challenger. He only jumped into the race three weeks ago.

Little known challengers David Blomstrom and Don Hansler also are running. Both are mini-reporting, meaning they won’t raise and spend much money.

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