YAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima City Councilman Rick Ensey says he’s not too worried about an effort by some local Democrats to recall him from office.

“It’s partisan politics,” Ensey said today in a cell phone call from Las Vegas, where he’s vacationing with his wife, Diane. “They (Democrats) can’t win an election, so they’ll try to win in court.”

Petitioners Charlotte Jones and Gene Rupel filed paperwork Wednesday with the Yakima County Auditor’s Office that sets in motion a series of legal steps that could result in a special election.

Jones and Rupel acknowledge they are active in the local Democratic Party, and some of our readers point out the two have served as precinct officers for the party.

Representing the two is George Fearing, the Kennewick lawyer and Democrat who unsuccessfully challenged 4th District Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Pasco, last year.

Ensey said he has no doubt that Ron Bonlender, a Democratic Party activist whom he unseated in a memorable duel for the City Council two years ago, is also behind the recall effort.

Bad blood between the two has been well documented, including Bonlender’s defamation lawsuit againt the Enseys, which was settled out of court last year for an undisclosed sum.

The recall effort represents “the politics of personal destruction,” Ensey said, adding, “It’s just nonsense.”

-- Chris Bristol