Larry Phillips admits defeat, says he'll run for reelection to county council

Another one of Dow Constantine's rivals has conceded defeat in the primary.

Councilmember Larry Phillips, the first candidate to jump into the race to succeed Ron Sims, acknowledged in a long letter to supporters yesterday that the campaign is over and he won't be moving on to the general election. He wrote:

There's no crying in basball [sic], and in my campaigns, there will be no tears either. As long as our effort was based on a love of King County, as long as we came together and gave everything could muster for a better local government, and as long as we have our connections to each other (now better for the experience), let me offer my thanks, the heartfelt appreciation of my family, and the commitment that we will accomplish much together again.

Then, revealing how heavily he had gambled on making it to the general election (he professed himself to be Hutchison's opponent), Phillips added:

I was left with a modest debt – a debt I agreed to accept from my own modest family savings – but I am hoping you might give one more time to help me out. The disappointment in losing will always be there, but going to the bank and seeing the mothballs in our savings account makes it more painful. The rules for paying off debt are tough: I must raise anything I can in the next 31 days: one month from now. I can only accept up to $800 minus what you have already given. Unfortunately we had $65,000 in dollars raised from people who maxed out for the primary and the general but PDC regulations state that money must be returned for that portion over $800.

Some of the debt could undoubtedly be canceled more expediently if Phillips could get Cathy Allen to refund (or waive) part of her consulting fees.

Phillips also assured supporters he's staying involved in local politics:

We will go forward together again; I am still on the King County Council and intend to run for re-election in two years. We will just have to figure out what projects, challenges and commitments to sustainability we will choose to keep us together.

I never made a promise during the campaign, but I will make this one: I promise we will stay together and continue to good for this County we love.

Never made a promise during the campaign? Hmm...

Phillips has been a great county councilmember, a stalwart defender of Sound Transit's mission, and an unwavering voice for a more progressive county. His knowledge is impressive and his energy, at times, seems boundless. We're glad he's staying on the Council. Both the Council and the Sound Transit Board will need stability with a new King County Executive and Mayor of Seattle coming in.

As for Phillips' other unsuccessful rivals - who are also winding down their campaigns - here's a little bit of advice from the team at NPI:

To Ross Hunter: Why not run for County Council in two years against Jane Hague (or for the open seat if she steps down?) Much of the criticism you leveled during your campaign seemed directed at the County Council. Plus, you're a legislator: why not join the county's legislative branch and work to fix its problems from there? Larry and Dow both made the jump from the Legislature to the county council, and they seem to have no regrets. In the meantime, working on tax reform would be an awfully good way to burnish that legislative record. Talk to the King County Democrats Legislative Action Committee about it.

To Fred Jarrett: As State Senator for the 41st LD, you're in a good position to become a strong advocate for the region in the statehouse. Ensuring that the state follows through on its obligations to support the construction of East Link across Interstate 90 would be a great way to help King County. The State Senate could also use a champion for real tax reform; consider partnering with the King County Democrats Legislative Action Committee to work on bringing good ideas to fruition. Alternatively, if Dow Constantine comes knocking for a good chief of staff, don't hesitate to answer the call.