Newhouse endorses Bill Bryant for governor

A year ago, Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, was seeking endorsements in his race to replace the retiring Rep. Doc Hastings.

Now, Newhouse is making endorsements.

Newhouse announced his support for Republican Bill Bryant in his race for Washington governor in a Wednesday news release. Newhouse said he worked closely with Bryant, a Seattle port commissioner, while serving as state agriculture director, adding that Bryant operates a successful export company that helps Eastern Washington farmers and agriculture companies with their crops.

“Bill has first-hand knowledge of the important issues facing Central Washington,” Newhouse said. “His steadfast leadership has developed international markets for Washington agricultural products, and I have personally seen how Bill can bring people together to find solutions.”

Bryant became the primary Republican challenger to incumbent Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee after Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, announced last week that he will not run.

Bryant’s area endorsement’s also include state Reps. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, and Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla; Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck, Port of Benton Commissioners Roy Keck, Jane Hagarty and Robert Larson, Port of Pasco Commissioners Ron Reimann and Jim Klindworth, and Port of Kennewick Commissioner Skip Novakovich, according to Bryant’s campaign.

This story was originally published October 23, 2015 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Newhouse endorses Bill Bryant for governor."