Larsen Statement on New Configuration of Second Congressional District

WASHINGTON--Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today regarding the Washington State Redistricting Commission's proposal to redraw the Second Congressional District.

"The newly reconfigured Second Congressional District is a straightforward solution to the reality that the district needed to shrink in population. I am excited to continue serving the district and run in the newly configured Second District in 2012.

"I commend the Washington State Redistricting Commission for its hard work, balancing many interests and meeting a hard deadline to produce new Congressional districts for our state.

"The commission made a difficult decision to remove eastern Skagit and Snohomish counties and eastern and northern Whatcom County from the Second District. It has been a true privilege to serve this area for the last ten years.

"The commission also added new areas in south Snohomish County to the Second District including Lynnwood, Mount Lake Terrace and the rest of Mukilteo. I am ready to work hard and represent these new areas, and the rest of the district, to the best of my ability.

"I currently represent about 90 percent of the constituents of the reconfigured district. And the new areas of the district in Snohomish County share issues with the existing district, like creating jobs, helping Boeing workers and supporting our veterans.

"I was a major proponent of the Air Force selection of Boeing - and the best aerospace workers in the world - to build the tanker for our military. This will bring jobs to Everett, Lynnwood and Skagit and help our area remain a jobs center. And I am working on the key transportation issues like improving the ferry system in Mukilteo, bringing Sound Transit light rail north while maintaining existing transit service, and reducing congestion on I-5 for southbound commuters.

"Serving the people of the Second Congressional District has been a privilege, and I look forward to continue serving the residents of the newly drawn district."