Open Race Could Yield First Republican Treasurer Since 1956

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington's treasurer James McIntire won't try for re-election this fall after two terms in Olympia, sparking what could be a competitive race for the financial office won by Democrats in every election after 1952.

Candidates for treasurer include Republican banker Michael Waite, Democratic state Sen. Marko Liias and former Port of Seattle Commissioner Alec Fisken, a Democrat. Democrat John Paul Comerford and Benton County Treasurer Duane Davidson, a Republican, are running as well.

The state treasurer keeps watch over state money as it moves in and out of accounts, along with a number of other complex duties as Washington's chief financial officer. The treasurer's office oversees bond sales for financing public projects like last year's $16.1 billion transportation package, and plays a key role on the State Investment Board that invests and manages retirement money of public employers and others, such as teachers and police officers.