It's Mayor Mike McGinn

Former Sierra Club president Mike McGinn has won the Seattle mayoral race according to the Seattle Times. Joe Mallahan conceded today in a new conference. Mallahan was favored by most of the Democratic establishment. McGinn had over 300 volunteers. Neither candidate had either held an elective office in the area or had much outside name recognition before the race began.

Seahawks Bag The Lions

What started as a dismal day for the Seattle Seahawks down 17-0 at home facing the lowly Detroit Lions turned into a victory. The Seahawks offense started with an interception and a lost fumble on it's first two plays from scrimmage. Both times leading two Lion touchdowns.
Matt Hasselbeck, however stayed with the pass hitting 39 out 51 attempts f0r 329 yards.
Hasselbeck ended the day with the team record for career completions. The Seahawk defense had five interceptions, two from David Hawthorne, one from Marcus Trufant, one from Deon Grant and a final one by Josh Wilson that was run in for a touchdown to seal the deal.

Maple Valley Elects 2 New Council Members

Bill Allison and Erin Weaver were elected to the Maple Valley City Council for the first time. Current Councilwoman Victoria Jonas easily won reelection.

Seattle's Tight Race For Mayor

Ever since my Uncle Arny's law school buddy Wes Uhlman was elected to be mayor of Seattle in the late 60s, I've paid close attention that city's mayoral race. It takes a special type to be able to lead a growing, cutting edge city that has seen it's share of peaks and valleys. This year's race is especially compelling. It pits a former T-Mobile executive, Joe Mallahan against a former Sierra Club president, Mike McGinn.
Both candidates ran because of their dissatisfaction with current mayor Greg Nickles. They were both able to get past the incumbent, who was considered invincible.
Joe Mallahan is touting his corporate experience. He has spent heavily to put professionals on his campaign staff. He has a smooth style. Mike McGinn is hard edged, and has a staff of mostly volunteers.
At this writing, only 500 some votes separate the two candidates.

Dow Is New County Executive

The Seatle Times has declared Dow Constantine the winner of the King County Executive race. Constantine, a King County Councilman, was open and upfront on every issue. His opponent, Susan Hutchison, was considered the early favorite.

An Autumn Sunday

After the depressing Seahawk game, Deb, Rusty, and I took a ride to look at the fall leaves. We wound up at Nolte Park, about 4 miles from Maple Valley toward Enumclaw. We walked the trail around Deep Lake, a hike of about a mile and a half. Here is Rusty wading into the lake.

On Our Family's Blogs

Tod Goldberg attempts to answer questions resolving the origin of the Universe and Troy Aikman's hair color here. Rated PG for language.

Cowboys Corral The Seahawks

What started out as a "toss-up" turned into another "blow-out" as the Seattle Seahawks lost their second straight game 38-17. The 'Hawks were able to score first on an Olinde Mare field goal in the first quarter. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo answered with a 36yard touchdown pass to Sam Hurd. Matt Hasselbeck threw touchdown passes to Deion Branch in the second quarter and to Justin Griffin in the 4th, while Romo also hit Miles Austin and Roy William for touchdown strikes. Cowboy Patrick Crayton had an 82 yard punt return for a touchdown. The Seahawks were plagued with mistakes as Seneca Wallace slipped in a wildcat formation and Justin Forsett fumbled after running for what could have been a Seahawk first down. Returning cornerback Marcus Trufant got called on three pass interference penalties.
The Seahawks will try to get back on the winning track next Sunday against the St.Louis Rams.