Former Marine gears up to run against Doc Hastings

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Accusing Congressman Doc Hastings of becoming too complacent, a former Marine from the Tri-Cities today announced his 2010 candidacy for the 4th Congressional District.

Standing in the middle of the Millennium Plaza, 33-year-old Jay Clough told a small crowd of mostly reporters that he would work hard to make positive improvements to a costly health-care system that has left many without coverage. Clough, a Democrat, said he would also encourage new jobs to the Yakima Valley — issues he accused Hastings, who is serving his eighth term, of not working on hard enough.

Yakima County Democratic Chairwoman Mary Stephenson and other Democrats, such as Paul George and Ron Bonlender, held signs of support as they stood behind Clough.

“We need a representative that is proposing new ideas and new solutions,” Clough said.

Hastings, a Pasco Republican, is used to having a Democratic opponent when seeking re-election and it doesn’t sidetrack him from working for his constituents, said spokeswoman Jessica Gleason in Washington, D.C.

“He’s always worked hard for Central Washington and he continues to focus on that,” she said.

Clough, a Central Washington University graduate, served in the Marines from 1995 to 1999 and attained the rank of corporal.

He is married and has lived in China, Japan and Korea.

- Phil Ferolito