2007 PRIMARY ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS - DEMOCRATIC BALLOT (KING COUNTY)
Every year, the Northwest Progressive Institute teams with its Permanent Defense division to produce an endorsements guide for members and supporters.
Among Democratic and nonpartisan candidates, we endorse candidates that we believe best reflect our progressive values. If we endorse Republicans, we look for candidates that are closest to our beliefs, giving the nod to biconceptuals and rejecting extremists, while recognizing that such candidates may not share many of our values, vision, or ideals.
We ask three general questions when evaluating every candidate for endorsement:
- What are the candidate’s qualifications and why is he or she the best candidate?
- What is the candidate’s vision, plan, and agenda for the office they are seeking?
- What other endorsements or support does the candidate have?
With that introduction, here's our 2007 primary election endorsements guide for contested King County Democratic races.
King County Prosecutor: BILL SHERMAN
Our Statement: In early July 2007 we hosted a friendly podcast debate between the two Democratic hopefuls for King County Prosecutor, Bill Sherman and Keith Scully. We concluded from the exchange that both candidates were very well qualified for the office, but after evaluation, we believe Sherman is the better choice in this race. The candidates have many similiaries. Both candidates share positions on the important issues, particularly the decriminilization of medical marijuana and adjusting the structure of the prosecutor's office to improve its handing of identity theft cases and prioritize ennforcement of environmental laws. Both also have experience in the office and want to preserve the culture that Norm Maleng created. But Sherman is better at coalition building and community outreach (and he proved it once before when he ran to represent the 43rd legislative district as a Democrat last year). These skills will be needed in the general election campaign against Republican Dan Satterberg and afterwards - if Bill is victorious, we are confident we can expect a prosecutor that is fair, thoughtful, and accessible. We like Keith and applaud him for his candidacy - we hope this won't be his last bid for office if he is unsuccessful. We need a solid Democrat to run for Attorney General next year against Rob McKenna, and Keith could be a very credible challenger to the state's most high profile Republican officeholder.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Seattle Times, Progressive Majority Washington, Washington Conservation Voters, King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, King County Councilmembers Dow Constantine, Bob Ferguson, Larry Phillips, Governor Gary Locke, U.S. Representative Adam Smith, dozens of Democratic legislative district organizations. Bill also received an “Outstanding” Rating from the Municipal League (their highest rating).
King County Council, 6th District: BRAD LARSSEN (write in)
Our Statement: As the filing period was closing several weeks ago for the 2007 elections, perennial Republican office seeker and public disclosure complaint filer Richard Pope (who has repeatedly been rated "Not Qualified" by the Municipal League) decided to put in his name iin for 6th County Council....as a Democrat. Thanks to the King County Democrats' failure to recruit a challenger to Republican Jane Hague, who represents a district that voted for Maria Cantwell, Darcy Burner, and Democratic legislative candidates by large margins in 2006, Pope will appear on the ballot as the lone Democrat in the race. Fortunately for Democrats living in the 6th District, a true Democrat has launched a campaign for the office as a write-in candidate - Brad Larssen of Kirkland, who is a longtime activist in the union movement and advocate for working families. Brad's priorities are clear - invest in our transportation infrastructure, especially mass transit, ensure affordable housing choices, fund critical public services, protect our forests and wetlands, and manage growth responsibly. The P-I has called Larssen "a worthwhile candidate" and gave him their endorsement. Brad is the only progressive choice in the primary election. If you live in the 6th County Council District, remember to write in "Brad Larssen" when you vote by absentee or at the polls. Give your support to the candidate who shares our Democratic values.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include the King County Democrats, 32nd, 41st, 45th, 48th District Democrats, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, State Senators Margarita Prentice, Rodney Tom, Brian Weinstein, Eric Oemig, State Representatives Judy Clibborn, Ross Hunter, Maralyn Chase, Kirkland Mayor Jim Lauinger, Washington State Democrats Labor Caucus, Carpenters Locals 131 & 470
King County Council, 8th District: DOW CONSTANTINE
Our Statement: Dow Constantine is running for reelection to the King County Council and is opposed in the primary election by Michael Goodspaceguy Nelson (who has been rated "Not Qualified" by the Municipal League) . Dow's priorities include efficient government, transportation solutions, smart growth/land use, and strong, safe neighborhoods. Dow has a thoughtful vision and agenda for the future. His leadership on environmental protection has been especially appreciated. He has lived in West Seattle all his life, and has repeatedly proved his fitness for office.
Other Endorsements: Cascade Bicycle Club, King County Democrats, Metropolitan Democratic Club, 11th, 33rd, and 34th District Democrats, Amalgamated Transit Union 587, King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, SEIU 775, Street Pavers, Sewer, Watermain and Tunnel Workers Local 440, UFCW 21, House Speaker Frank Chopp. Dow also received an “Outstanding” Rating from the Municipal League (their highest rating).
© 2007 Northwest Progressive Institute.
