Read a Pacific Northwest, liberal perspective on world, national, and local politics. From majestic Redmond, Washington - the Northwest Progressive Institute Official Blog.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

King County candidate filings update

The Seattle Port Commission races are getting quite interesting; three candidates have filed in each race, but incumbent Bob Edwards (who needs to be ousted to ensure a progressive majority) is not among the six who have filed.

For Position #2: Thom McCann, Gael Tarleton, Wen Wu Lee
For Position #5: Alec Fisken, Stephen Symms, Bill Bryant

Jack Block, Jr. was also expected to file for Position #2 but hasn't yet.

Josh Feit writes on SLOG that Symms' entry into the race is bad news for Fisken:
Fisken's theory is that Bryant supporters asked the shipping company exec to put his hat in the ring in order to crowd the field to force a primary—which will make Fisken's race more difficult.
We disagree. A primary can actually benefit Fisken because it gives him an opportunity to increase his name ID with a core group of voters. Symms' filing means he'll have to run strong going into the primary and will then have momentum for the general election.

A strong candidate and a strong leader should not be afraid of an election. The primary is an opportunity for Fisken's campaign - not a problem.

Josh also writes that:
it’s likely antsy voters will just throw him [Fisken] out too.
Perhaps if he does nothing, that's what will happen - but why should that be the case? This statement sounds defeatist. Fisken needs to communicate with voters and explain what he stands for. If he runs a good campaign, he won't be associated with the Davis and Edwards cabal.

Most incumbents who are holding county office and up for reelection have filed (including Scott Noble, Larry Gossett, Larry Phillips, Jane Hague). Keith Scully, Futurewise's legal director, has filed to run for prosecutor as a Democrat, versus Dan Satterberg.

The Elections Division warns:
Tomorrow marks the end to this year’s candidate filing week, a period that occurred earlier than in years past as a result of the August 21 primary

"We have received over 300 filings to date, a number that is considerably lower than normal at this point in candidate filing," said Sherril Huff, Director Designee of Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division. "In fact, there are 50 positions that have yet to have a candidate file."

To appear on the fall ballot, all candidates must file a declaration of candidacy online by 4 p.m., in person or by mail no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 8. Mail-in filings must include a notarized declaration of candidacy with the appropriate filing fee and must be in the hands of King County Election officials by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 8.
If you intend to file, tomorrow is your last chance.

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