SPOKANE – Former Spokane County Treasurer Rob Chase has announced he will be running for Congress in Washington’s 5th District. Chase will challenge incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who is seeking a ninth term as the district’s representative in Washington D.C.
Chase was county treasurer from 2011-2018, and has lived in the district since 1974. A former real estate agent, he is a graduate of Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s of arts degree in business administration.
Chase is the second challenger to file against McMorris Rodgers. It’s his second congressional attempt, having run as a Libertarian in 2002 against McMorris Rodgers’ predecessor Rep. George Nethercutt, receiving 5 percent of the vote.
Chase pointed to his commitment to serving just two terms as county treasurer as an indication of his integrity in office. He also said he was “especially proud” of being a part of a three-year effort to allow taxpayers to make partial payments on property taxes in the state.
“Focusing on accountability, transparency, customer service and fiscal responsibility, I did my best to use my time in office to improve the lives of taxpayers I served,” Chase said in a Feb. 24 email. “As your Congressman, my goals and focus remain the same.”
Chase has been a supporter of embattled 4th Legislative District Rep. Matt Shea, who was expelled from the state House Republican Caucus last year after an independent report alleged he had participated in acts of domestic terrorism. Chase has publicly stated he believed Shea did nothing wrong.
Also running against McMorris Rodgers is Chris Armitage, a Democrat who is casting himself as a progressive, grassroots candidate.
John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.
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