The new 1st Congressional District, which includes Kirkland, is a wide open race in 2012.

The U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Jay Inslee is in a district that was deliberately redrawn to make it a “swing” district, with equal parts traditionally Democratic and Republican voters. Of the new 1st District, redistricting Commissioner Slade Gorton said it “may easily be the most evenly divided congressional district in the United States of America.”

The 1st CD race has attracted lots of qualified candidates, which means working people face a challenge determining which candidate will best champion their interests.

The Washington State Labor Council and the AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils in the new 1st CD will host a candidate forum from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 23 at the Everett Machinists Union Hall, 8729 Airport Road.

The forum, which will be moderated by Enrique Cerna of KCTS 9-TV, is co-sponsored by the M.L. King County Labor Council, the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, the Snohomish County Labor Council, and the WSLC.

All the candidates in the race have been invited to participate in the forum. Those who have accepted invitations include Democrats Darcy Burner, Suzan DelBene, Kirkland state Rep. Roger Goodman, state Sen. Steve Hobbs, Darshan Rauniyar and Laura Ruderman, and Independent Larry Ishmael. As of this date Republican John Koster has no plans to attend.

Parking at the Machinists Hall in Everett is very limited, so please arrange carpools.