What does Rodney Tom’s decision not to run mean?

Yesterday, state Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, announced he would not seek reelection.

So what’s so bad about a Democrat dropping out of politics?

Though Tom was a Democrat, he was essentially one in name only. Tom, a onetime Republican, joined the Senate Republican caucus – called the Majority Coalition Caucus – allowing the GOP to have some control in Olympia. Democrats were targeting his Medina seat to replace him with a Democrat who would side completely with Democrats.

Officially, Tom is retiring for personal medical reasons, and also because his father is ill, and Tom is the only one in the area who is close enough to provide care.

Now, Democrats can use resources they were planning to spend on the Rodney Tom race – they had selected former Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride to run against him – to target other Republicans. KTTH host David Boze said that state Democrats may be coming for state Sens. Steve O’Ban, R-University Place, and Andy Hill, R-Redmond.

Tom had already stored up $109,000 for his race, while McBride only saved up around $60,000. With Tom’s seat up for grabs and Democratic resources free to spread around, Boze advised Washington state conservatives to assist in competitive races.

“If you live in an area where a race isn’t competitive, choose a candidate in a competitive race [to support],” Boze advised conservatives. “At least they have a fighting chance.