Two familiar Republican names from last year’s election are back in the news: Joe Kent and Pete Serrano.

They’re not running for election, but they may be finding success instead with federal appointments. 

Kent is a former Green Beret who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House twice in District 3. The Senate approved his appointment as director of the National Counterterrorism Center late last month. 

Serrano was the mayor of Pasco and ran for Washington Attorney General against Nick Brown. It was reported last week that he is the presumptive pick to take over as  U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

For many candidates who lose statewide office, a failed campaign is the end of the line, so how have these GOP candidates from a deep blue state been able to give new life to their political careers?  

Guest:

Jim Brunner, Seattle Times political reporter

Relevant Links:

Seattle Times: Senate confirms former WA candidate Joe Kent to counterterrorism post

Seattle Times: Former GOP AG candidate chosen as Eastern Washington’s U.S. attorney

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