Multiple sources close to state Senator Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) have confirmed that he has decided to seek the 6th Congressional District seat being vacated by Representative Norm Dicks. Kilmer will make his official announcement in the morning.

Dicks' early retirement was a surprise, and with two young children this can't be an easy decision for Kilmer. But I can't really blame him for leaving the rancor and dysfunction of the state Senate behind in favor of the relatively peaceful bipartisan cooperation of the other Washington.