MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake contractor and small business owner has announced his candidacy to represent the 13th Legislative District.

Kaj Selmann, 37, is a Democrat who will compete with Republican Matthew Manweller, 41, for the seat currently held by Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum.

One reason Selmann cited for running is to restore collaboration to a regional politics in which he believes ideology has for too long trumped practicality. He said he'd like to offer himself as a "consensus building candidate" who will listen to the concerns of everyone in the district and propose "sensible solutions."

"The rhetoric has gotten so bad, some Republicans would have you believe that having coffee with a Democrat would make you a socialist," he said. "Some Democrats would have you believe that shaking hands with a Republican would make you a fascist. For most of us, that is just not true, and more importantly, it keeps us from getting things done."

His primary goal in Olympia would be to improve the economic and living conditions of all who live in the 13th District, he stated.

He emphasizes rail as a future economic driver throughout the district, including the need to construct a line into the Port of Moses Lake. His other priorities include an effort to diversify business and industry in the region, protect resources, expand the agriculture industry and streamline government to make sure the state's regulatory agencies have adequate oversight.

"Most Democrats would agree, most Republicans would agree, so let's quit demonizing each other and get these things done," he stated. "If we keep hiring politicians, who make their careers by convincing one group of Americans to despise another group, we are going to stay stuck in our current rut, and dig a deeper hole."

Hinkle announced in December he won't seek re-election. He has represented the 13th District, which spans Kittitas, Grant and upper Yakima counties.

Manweller, who filed to run late last year, is the Kittitas County GOP chairman and a Central Washington University political science professor. Since 2008 he's served on the Washington State Republican Party executive committee as well as the boards of several political and community organizations.

Selmann was raised in Kenmore and attended Central Washington University while working at a local horse boarding facility and in hay operations.

He has been a youth minister and has started several small businesses, including a toner recycling business, a publishing and printing company and a construction and remodel company.

He has lived in Moses Lake with his wife, Jo Anne, and their three children since 1999.