From staff reports:

District 30 State Rep. Mark Miloscia (D-Federal Way) announced he will run for Washington State Auditor to succeed Brian Sonntag, a Democrat who plans to retire at the end of his term in 2012 after nearly two decades in office.

The State Auditor’s Office is a watchdog agency that independently serves Washington residents by promoting accountability, fiscal integrity and openness in state and local government, according to www.sao.wa.gov.

Miloscia was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 1998. According to the Seattle Times, Republican Richard McEntee and Glenn Freeman of the Constitution Party have filed paperwork with the state Public Disclosure Commission that indicates they plan to run for the State Auditor’s Office.

“Brian Sonntag is certainly retiring as the best State Auditor in the nation. It is an honor to continue his performance legacy in critically examining all government spending and programs in an unbiased and bipartisan manner,” Miloscia said in a news release Sept. 15. “During these tough budget times, our government must improve its performance and I have the performance, technical skills and proven track record that will get us there.”

Miloscia added: “Washington’s voters are expecting a real performance task master in the State Auditor’s Office to improve our state and I am just the leader that will get us results.”

Contact Rep. Miloscia at miloscia@comcast.net or (253) 414-8714.