I should check my answering machine more often. I guess I was too busy making dilly beans over the weekend.

State Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Roy, left a message to say he is withdrawing from his previously announced run for Congress against U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, and instead will run for re-election to his state House seat in the 2nd Legislative District.

Wonder what that does to JT Wilcox, who announced last week he would be running for what appeared to be Campbell's vacant seat in the state House.

Campbell sent out an e-mail news release late last night. Thanks for the heads up, Tom. Can I interest you in a quart of pickled green beans?

Rep. Tom Campbell declares intent to return to Legislature in 2010.

Roy, Washington. August 31, 2009.

Rep. Tom Campbell announced today he will run for re-election to the Washington State House of Representatives.

“I have been asked by a number of my constituents to reconsider my candidacy for Congress so that I can continue my work in the State Legislature on behalf of the 2nd Legislative District. I have listened to these voices and have decided to once again ask the voters of the Second District to elect me to represent them in the Washington State Legislature.”

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“I do not regret exploring the possibility that a Presidential appointment might have resulted in an open Congressional seat and a special election, but I cannot in good conscience ask my friends and supporters to contribTute more than $2 million to run against a 6-term incumbent Congressman in a year that will undoubtedly be highly partisan and contentious. That’s not why I started my legislative and political career 20 years ago.”

Rep. Campbell further stated that much work yet has to be done in the Legislature on behalf of the Second District, especially to improve the State Highway network in the 2nd Legislative District. I’m particularly interested in working on the funding to complete the “Cross-Base Highway” (SR 704) and the Yelm Loop (SR 510).

Recalling his work in the 2009 Legislative Session on local infrastructure projects, Rep. Campbell said, “I was proud to be a spokesperson for transportation projects for the bi-partisan Pierce County Legislative Delegation during our last session. We produced a record $1.4 billion for Pierce County projects, and we put people to work in our community. Through hard bi-partisan work, the Pierce County legislators produced road and transportation projects in every region of our county.”

“As one of the more senior members in the State House, I work with my colleagues to make certain that Pierce County taxpayers benefit equitably from both federal and state transportation funds available in our state.”

“My priorities have remained the same throughout the years. I have achieved positive results and benefits to my constituents. I am proud to have accomplished the work in improving healthcare in our state, especially laws passed to reduce potentially lethal Hospital Acquired Infections and in particular reducing MRSA infections”.

Rep. Campbell cited his recent work as Chairman of the House Environmental Health Committee in the prior and present term. He is the only Republican Chairman in the State Legislature.

“We have aggressively taken on difficult issues that have threatened the health our fellow citizens. We are making a difference now and for the future of all the people of our State,” said Rep. Campbell about his work on toxic materials in commerce and the environment.

“I want to thank the hundreds of my friends who have helped me since 1992, and I’m ready to return to Olympia next year and beyond to address the current problems in our economy, to improve the transportation network, and to continue to work on healthcare access, quality and affordability. I believe I am in the right place to represent the voters of my district now and into the foreseeable future.”