Rep. Brian Baird (D) announced he would file for re-election this week, according to local news reports. The five-term Congressman also acquired a primary challenge from the left last week from peace activist Cheryl Crist (D).

Although Baird voted against giving President Bush the authority to invade Iraq, he told local newspapers last fall that he supported the administration’s troop surge strategy.

“My belief is that overall, people in the 3rd Congressional district want someone who will take principled stands,” Baird told The Columbian. “They don’t want someone who panders.”

The state filing deadline is June 6, followed by the primary on Aug. 19.
— Shira Toeplitz