Denny Heck

We’ve suggested any number of instances where unsuccessful candidates gearing up for a second run may be thinking … unwisely. Today, a case arguing for the opposite.

Or, not really, because in the case of Denny Heck, the Olympia-area executive and Democrat who lost a race for the 3rd district last year to Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler, there are a bunch of changed conditions.

One is that 2012 is unlikely (as matters stand) to be the kind of strong Republican year than 2010 was. More important, Heck and Herrera Beutler are likely to be in different districts next time. Washington gains another congressional district next year, and the new territory will have to be parceled mostly out of the heavy population area running from around Olympia to King County east of Seattle. There’s a good chance Heck will be in a new district without an incumbent but with a Democratic leaning.

The Seattle Times reports, “Heck filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission last Thursday, setting up a campaign for the 10th District. He then refiled less than an hour later to say he was running for an unspecified congressional district (listing it as district “00.”)”

In a case like this, probably wise to put down a marker, if he has any interest at all.