(AP)
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Rep. Jay Inslee is resigning from Congress to focus full time on running for governor of Washington state this fall. The Democrat announced his decision today at a news conference in Seattle. Inslee is in his eighth term representing a Seattle-area district in the House. Washington's Democratic governor, Christine Gregoire, is retiring at the end of her term. Inslee is running against Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna to replace her.
Inslee's 1st District seat will remain vacant until a new representative is elected in November. He is among 22 Democratic members of the House who are not seeking re-election, along with 16 Republicans. His resignation is effective March 20.
