Brad Shannon at the Olympian has the latest on the queue that's forming to replace retiring southwestern Washington U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (D-3).

State Rep. Richard DeBolt, the Republican leader in the state House, ended speculation about running for the 3rd Congressional District on Sunday. He sent an email to his legislative supporters saying it is "the wrong time" and that he's firmly supporting his former chief of staff, Republican David Castillo, for the job.

Meanwhile, Olympia-area Democrat Denny Heck heightened speculation he is running for U.S. Rep. Brian Baird's soon-to-be-open seat, which has already drawn eight announced candidates, four from each party, with others weighing options.