At least two of U.S. Rep Brian Baird’s Republican opponents for the 2010 3rd District Congressional Race were in attendance Wednesday night.

    Former Centralia resident and current Olympia financial adviser David Castillo and Washougal City Councilor Jon Russell each greeted attendees and introduced themselves to potential supporters following the meeting.

    Both say that improvements to the current health care system and private sector solutions are the answer to increasing costs rather than a government-controlled insurance option.

    Russell, who recently held his own health care town hall in Chehalis, said he was the only candidate that also owns his own business, as he currently operates a clinic out of Washougal.

    He said he has read the main bill aimed at health care reform and it is “very disturbing.”

    Castillo said he was hoping his number would be selected in the random, lottery-style speaker selection so he could have quizzed the congressman for his support of cap-and-trade climate legislation.

    Baird has said he disagrees with cap-and-trade, but voted for the bill because of other measures he agreed with.

    Castillo said everyone agrees that health care costs are out of control, but he disagrees strongly with how Democrats are dealing with it.

    “We don’t need to look to the failed models of Britain and Canada,” he said.

    Also in attendance Wednesday was former Republican candidate for the 3rd District Michael Messmore, whom Baird defeated in 2006. Katja Delavar, wife of 2008 Baird opponent Michael Delavar, was also in attendance.

    Both Delavar and Messmore were selected as two of the 20 speakers to ask Baird questions throughout the night.