SHELTON, Wash. - Just days ago state Democrats stirred up controversy by trying to unseat one of their own, Democrat Tim Sheldon.

Longtime State Sen. Sheldon has been a thorn in the Democrats’ side because he often does not vote with his party and the state party has now thrown its support to his challenger in the 35^th District, Kyle Lucas.

But now Lucas, is facing questions about her residency and her finances.

Thurston County records show a history of unpaid bills by Lucas and some suggest that she moved from her trailer in Tumwater just to be able to run against Sheldon.

Sheldon questions several things about the situation, including the motives of a fellow Democrat from his own district.

Veterinarian and State Rep. Kathy Haigh openly opposes Sheldon because she says he has too much power as both a senator and Mason County commissioner.

“I don't support Tim running for the senate,” Haigh said.

Haigh owns the Mason County property Lucas is now living at and campaigning from. She's renting the waterfront home for $400 a month, but she says that shouldn't be the issue.

“Tim isn't really talking about the issues. He's talking about the little things. I'm a little surprised,” she said.

To those who say Lucas moved out of a Tumwater trailer just run against Sheldon, Lucas says she moved to be closer to family.

“I wanted to get back here because of my grandchildren,” she said.

What's clear is that Lucas left behind some bills. Documents obtained by KING 5 show she has a history of delinquent tax payments.  Several liens and a judgments have been placed against her in the past 10 years. Court records show a $165 lien for lawn service is still open and $401 in back taxes are still owned for the Tumwater property.

Lucas says she's paid everything, despite what the assessor says. She also says some of the bills were only late because they got lost in the mail.