Offering frequent news and analysis from the majestic Evergreen State and beyond, The Cascadia Advocate is the Northwest Progressive Institute's unconventional perspective on world, national, and local politics.

Friday, August 21, 2009

BREAKING: Greg Nickels concedes primary

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is delivering a prepared statement at a morning press conference, acknowledging his apparent loss in the primary election and congratulating his two rivals, who lead in the vote count.

"This morning I called Mike McGinn and Joe Mallahan and congratulated them on advancing to the general election. One of them will be Seattle's next mayor," Nickels said early on during the press conference. He added, "I will work with the new mayor-elect to ensure a positive transition."

Nickels defended his tenure as mayor, saying that he didn't regret taking tough stands and making decisions over the objections of critics, noting that it's impossible to please everyone. "Seattle today is stronger better and kinder than the Seattle of yesterday... Our house is in good order," he declared.

He expressed considerable pride in the completion of Sound Transit's Central Link light rail line, and said that the agreement with the state and county to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct was critically important.

He hinted that Mallahan and McGinn would have a harder path ahead of them now that they can no longer use him as a punching bag.

He seemed a bit sad at the prospect of leaving the job, but noted he has over a hundred and thirty days left before he leaves office.

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