8th District Congresswoman Schrier Mute on Biden Speech Saying Putin Should No Longer Remain in Power

Eighth District Congresswoman Kim Schrier is not taking a stance on President Biden's speech over the weekend, in which he said Russian President Vladimir Putin should no longer remain in power.

Schrier instead is focusing on the state of Russian society, and the inability of its citizens to remove Putin from office.

"One of the things that is so maddeningly frustrating about what is going on in Russia right now is that there really will be no accountability for Putin, because he controls the media, he controls the propaganda, and there are no fair elections," said Schrier.

She made the comment during an interview with KPQ Radio Sunday while declining to weigh in on Biden's speech in Poland.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now four days into its second month, with Ukrainian forces having unpredicted success in thwarting its opposition.

Schrier also said her reelection in November will be a tough battle in the divided 8th district of Washington.

"It's the only swing district in the state," Schrier said. "It is going to be a highly competitive race. And I am very grateful to have so much grass roots support and interest in supporting me."

Schrier is a Democrat who faces four Republicans and an Independent so far in the 8th District race.

Three of the Republican opponents - Jesse Jensen, Matt Larkin and Reagan Dunn - have raised significant money, but are still dwarfed by Schrier fundraising as an incumbent office holder.

Redistricting following the 2020 Census could swing the 8th District in the direction of Democrats to some degree.

Shrier made the comments during swing through Leavenworth and Wenatchee Sunday.

She was in the region to promote her efforts for low income housing in Leavenworth, and to help farmers in the district who are experiencing problems getting their products delivered overseas because of a supply chain disruption.