Republican State Senator Bill Finkbeiner is dropping out of his senate race, turning the eastside’s 45th Legislative District into the third district in this state where a Republican-held senate seat has become an open seat. (The others are the the 26th and 47th.)

The Democrats currently have a two-seat advantage in the state senate, but with all these newly-open, formerly-Republican seats popping up, they’re sensing an opportunity to expand that majority. “It’s a bad time to be a Republican,” says Dean Nielsen of Progressive Majority, celebrating this morning’s news.

UPDATE: Republican State Representative Toby Nixon, who already represents the 45th Legislative District in the state house, has announced he will quit the house and run for Finkbeiner’s senate seat.

Finkbeiner’s statement is in the jump…

Dear Friends,

I wanted you to know of my decision not to run for re-election as Senator for the 45th District. After fourteen years of serving in the legislature, I find that I am now ready to move down another path.

I was thinking yesterday that in a lot of ways I have grown up during my time here. When I arrived, I was 23, single, and I spent the two weeks prior to my first House session working at UPS driving a delivery truck for their Christmas rush. It seems to me now that I knew so little about anything then.

I don't know that I understand much more today, but I sure feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to work somewhere where every day it felt like I was able to participate in something that mattered.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our Members and staff who have helped me accomplish so much over the years. I cannot say enough wonderful things about our fine staff of professionals, and
will always value the opportunity that I had to work with each of you.

I will leave the Senate at the end of this year with so many positive memories. My very best wishes to all of you.