Sam Kim announced in February that he would run as a Republican for the 17th Legislative District House seat being vacated by Rep. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver.
Clark County’s chief information officer still plans on filing for office before the deadline Friday, but he’s not sure if he’ll be filing as a Republican, Democrat or unaffiliated.
“I just want to makes sure we have candidates who really represent the independents in Clark County and bring Clark County together,” Kim said Monday.
Kim said he’s being “pulled in all types of directions” and his primary goal is to work on behalf of the community.
“I’ve been a lifelong Republican, but I really have to ask is that truly the best way to go? I’m still weighing my options … but if you look at what’s happening nationally and what’s happening locally, we’re in this gridlock. How do we break this gridlock and move forward as a county?”
Kim mentioned the reputation some Southwest Washington lawmakers have earned while working on the defunct Columbia River Crossing project.
“People across the river won’t talk to us because they are so mad,” he said.
Kim said it’s time to end the “status quo” and find some new options so the county can “build trust and relationships.”
Kim said he plans to make up his mind mid week about how he will file.
He also said he won’t be casting a vote for the GOP presumptive nominee Donald Trump.
“For Trump? I can definitely say no … on Hillary? I won’t comment,” Kim said.
Wilson is running for the Senate seat that has been occupied by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, who announced he is retiring.
Vicki Kraft, a conservative Republican, also filed on Monday for the seat.
