Richard Todd says the political system is broken and the only way to fix it is to wrest control from dysfunctional political parties.

"The real solution to partisanship is the introduction of independent legislators who are not aligned with either political party and who can pursue the interests of their constituents," said Todd, who is running as an Independent in the 8th District congressional race.

Todd brings a lifetime of experience into the political arena. The engineering graduate of the University of Colorado says he worked in military aviation in California and across Europe. He's lived in Washington state in Issaquah and Snoqualmie since 1962.

"After coming to Washington state I was fascinated by the growth of the commercial crab industry."

His interest in fishing led him into an adventure he chronicled in his book "Saga of the Polar Star." He purchased a fishing vessel in Spain and skippered it back to Washington state through the Panama Canal. Along the way Todd says he made it through hurricanes and the loss of propulsion in the Bermuda Triangle - all with only one deckhand.

Todd's up against very well established major party candidates in the 8th District race - Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and Democrat Darcy Burner.

"I don't have any argument with their abilities. I think they are both intelligent and public-minded people. The reality is in Washington the Democrats go in one direction and the Republicans go in another. It's more a matter of ... like seeing lemmings following the leader. And that's, I think, a dangerous situation for the country."

Todd declines to give his age but says his experience makes him a good fit for the district.

"I've been wanting to be involved in the public sphere for some time. I have an opportunity to do that. I've been doing quite a bit of freelance writing. I followed the prolems that we have ... I feel I have the backround (to be effective."