Washington state megathread

[Seattle]

We all know, but for those out of state lurkers, former two-term governor and physician-assisted suicide advocate, Booth Gardner died at 76 on the 15th. He was one of Washington's most popular governors and will be missed. RIP.

Here's an article from the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/us/booth-gardner-dies-at-76-ex-washington-governor.html

[Seattle]

Is anyone paying attention to the Seattle Mayoral primary?

For those who need brushing up: http://apps.seattletimes.com/elections/2013/mayoral-race-2013/

Peter Steinbrueck.

Ermm, eww.

[Seattle]

Socialist Kshama Sawant had a pretty impressive result (and Brian Carver a pretty terrible one) in the Seattle City Council race.  33% for a socialist in a low-turnout, citywide primary, with a split in the anti-Conlin vote!

A Sawant on the council would be really interesting. I think it'd might even be a good thing.

My vote went/is going for McGinn. I don't dislike Murray, but I'm not convinced he offers anything better than what McGinn does. Most importantly, I know exactly where McGinn stands on mass transit issues and pro-density development (SLU upzoning, microhousing). He has a decent record on both.

I think it'll also be interesting to see how many of the 30,000+ new residents in Seattle vote (since the 2009 election). Do these guys even vote since they probably know little about this new city they live in?

[Seattle]

Could Sawant actually win?

I'd love to see a Sawant post-victory Seattle Times rant.

[Seattle]

I am certainly intrigued by her candiacy as well. I don't like Conlin, but I also do not support any of her views that bgwah stated. Never read much up on Carver, but I have a feeling he was a good candidate (Missed the primaries). Oh well. (Plus, one of his fliers showed his wife and cute, biracial baby - awww, how could you not vote for that family)

[Seattle]

Welcome from Seattle! It's good to have some posters from over the mountains.

[Seattle]

Welcome from Seattle! It's good to have some posters from over the mountains.

Thanks, but I like it over there much better. Im from Clarkston which is full of meth heads.

You should visit rural Pierce County... or Aberdeen.... or Sequim...

Though aren't you in the Palouse. That's some real beautiful countryside.

Have any polls come out for I-522? I'm still conflicted, though lean no.

[Seattle]

Yeah. Didn't Cantwell actually win the county in 2006?

Cantwell has an odd electoral history in Eastern Washington, then going on to win Yakima County last year, but losing both Spokane and Whitman counties.

[Seattle]

Yeah, I remember that endorsement. She was about 300 votes short of winning Kittittas County too. Even Chelan was relatively close at 53-46 or something.

So what was the reason for Cantwell's 2006 win in Asotin? In fact, her win was stronger there than in either Whitman or Spokane counties.

[Seattle]

Wow! I just realized Garfield County went from 55-42 to 64-36. That's a huge swing.

Columbia County went from 59-39 to 63-37, a decent swing.

I never realized how strong Cantwell ended up performing in Eastern Washington in 2006.

[Seattle]

Oh well, I hope Murray embraces pro-transit positions and continues McGinn's and really Nickels' pro-density leadership.

I don't think there's a way for McGinn to win with those numbers.

[Seattle]

I really hope the districts plan fails, but I'm guessing it won't. Has the Stranger said anything on it?

I don't think the financing measure is going to do that badly. I have heard absolutely zero on it though...

Poorly phrased poll question?

[Seattle]

Out of all the things on her platform, the $15 minimum wage is probably the most agreeable. Lol.

A $15 minimum wage may not work in Asotin County, but if there's a place where it could succeed, it's going to be a city.

I wonder if SeaTac will pass the raise too.

[Seattle]

Seattle needs to be massively upzoned to allow for more apartment buildings and townhouses that middle-class residents could afford. But that will never happen, and an inexcusably large portion of the city will remain dedicated to single family housing for rich white people.

+1

Sigh, I wish that KIRO poll were close to being correct.

I think the GMO labeling might fail. My anecdotal evidence suggests that people seem generally ambivalent towards it.

[Seattle]

Provincialism and NIMBY-empowerment? No thank you.

You just don't want the working class of Seattle to have a voice, do ya?

You know what's going to have a bigger and better impact? Public financing.

[Seattle]

Two weeks to go!  I'm actually getting mildly near-excited!

I'm already drooling over the thought of seeing more awesome precinct maps!!!

[Seattle]

I'm in agreement with you guys on all the winners. Though I think the Eyman thing may be a bit closer.

[Seattle]

In general the late King County votes are very liberal leaning. Which explains the closening of Sawant-Conlin and the Public Financing proposition. As to why Murray-McGinn has narrowed? No clue. Comcast "scandal"?

[Seattle]

Yeah, all the state stuff came first. I think the mayor's race was actually on the back of the ballot, though I could be wrong.

[Seattle]

In recent years, McKenna's wins as AG are notable - especially his re-election in 2008.

[Seattle]

Inslee suspends death penalty

He's re-won my vote, but I'm afraid he might lose a few others.

A LOT of others, you mean...

Washington hasn't executed a prisoner in over 10 years. It's hardly a hot-button issue here.

Uhh, that's not true. Cal Coburn Brown, 2010?

[Seattle]

Surprised that Oakville voted so heavily against it. Interesting to see how sharp the split is between Langley and Oakville.

A bit surprised not to see Bellingham on the top list too.

[Seattle]

Surprised that Oakville voted so heavily against it. Interesting to see how sharp the split is between Langley and Oakville.

A bit surprised not to see Bellingham on the top list too.

You might be confusing Oakville with Oak Harbor.

Yarrow Point in the top ten is interesting.

Yup- what a brain fart.

Alcon- Great map!

[Seattle]

I was just looking through WA's gubernatorial results going back into the 80s and I saw something weird.

How is it that Booth Gardner won Cowlitz county with 62% of the vote in 1984, but lost it narrowly in 1988, while sweeping the state? Even Garfield county voted for him (though I imagine Garfield County was not as Republican as it is now). Now that I'm looking, Wahkiakum County also swung significantly against Gardner.

Also why did Dixy Lee Ray get 60%> in Benton and Franklin counties in 1976?

[Seattle]

Bill Byrant won't seek re-election to the Seattle Port Commission.

Bryant has statewide aspirations, and might run against Inslee in 2016. He's likely retiring from the commission to avoid losing re-election, which might hurt his statewide credentials.

There are definitely better candidates than he. Hasn't Reichert been rumored to be planning on challenging Inslee? Either way, Inslee should be able to beat both.