In running for Congress, however, he apparently inherited Swift's rocky relations with organized labor. Larsen has gained union support and has been given strong backing by Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel. KIRO-TV sports announcer Tony Ventrella also has indicated he is considering running in the 2nd District as a Democrat. A former commandant of the Whidbey Naval Air Station, Sehlin is likely to be pitted against state Rep. John Koster of Monroe, one of the most conservative Republicans in the Legislature. Koster has said, however, that he will not run if he does not line up financing by the end of the year.
Money is a major consideration in the race.