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.

My Views On The King County Executive Race

Candidates for King County Executive Susan Hutchison and Dow Constantine participated in a debate last Tuesday. Hutchison has two things going for her, one being name recognition, she was a television news anchor on KIRO for many years, and the lack of being part of a now very unpopular county government. Dow has served in the State legislature in both the House and the Senate and currently serves as President on the King County Council. Since he is a Democrat, Hutchison links him with former Executive Ron Sims. For the first time ever, all elective offices in King County will be non-partisan. Since King County generally votes Democratic, it is hard for Republicans to win positions. A non-partisan election makes it possible for Republican candidates to run without carrying an unpopular brand. Susan Hutchison claims to be independent, but her paper trail and history suggest otherwise. I believe that she is the wrong choice for county executive.
Will voters do the research necessary to find out more about both of these candidates? It's hard to tell. Many people vote on emotion. Many candidates feel that King County ignores it's outlying suburbs. Dow is seen as very "Seattle-Centric". In this cycle, he is trying to prove otherwise, that tends to raise skepticism. The question is, what would Hutchison do to bring the Eastside and South County suburbs to the table?

Lawsuit Papers Raise Questions On Hutchison Candidacy

It is commonly known that if you file a lawsuit against a corporate entity, they are going go to the far lengths to destroy the plaintiff and undermine the other party's creditability. That being said, revelations in a lawsuit that former KIRO news anchor Susan Hutchison filed against the owners of KIRO TV, question Ms. Hutchison's integrity. Although the filing and subsequent settling of the lawsuit was public knowledge, Ms Hutchison fought to keep the court papers private. Hutchison is a candidate to be King County Executive.

It may seem like a small thing to call in sick over a holiday, then be seen on vacation, but someone who probably deserved the time off probably had to fill in, not getting time to see his/her family.

Hutchison has failed to reveal her stances and opinions, in contrast to Dow Constantine, who had that courage to tell an audience in North Bend, "I'm a Liberal Democrat".

King County Democrats Endorse Phillips, Constantine

The King County Democratic Central Committee, in response to Susan Hutchison's surging campaign, has made a duel endorsement for King County Executive. Council Members
Larry Phillips and Dow Constantine, were perceived to be the strongest of 4 candidates identified as Democrats. County Races this year are non-partisan for the first time. The duel endorsement angered supporters of Ross Hunter and Fred Jarrett, two Democratics who currently serve in the state legislature.
Former KIRO news anchor Susan Hutchison, perceived to be a Conservative, is running ahead in the race by an overwhelming margin.

Renton Hosts County Executive Candidates Forum

Four Announced Democrats, vying to replace Ron Sims as our next King County Executive, met in Renton for a candidates forum sponsored by the King County Democrats. A full house was present as attendees enjoyed Mexican food and Margaritas, celebrating Cinco de Mayo. A look at the candidates

Larry Phillips is a longtime King County Councilman. He in my opinion has the best stump speech. He champions his conservation work as well as his work on light rail, which he says will begin service this summer.

Dow Constantine Dow is in his second term on King County Council, like Phillips, he is a Seattle attorney. While Phillips may do better in stump speech, Constantine was stronger in the forum, very articulate and well spoken, before he was elected to the council, Constantine was in the state legislature.

Fred Jarrett
Fred Jarrett is in the State Senate from the 41st district, he entered the House Representatives as a Republican, switching parties when he ran successfully for State Senate, calm demeanor, he has a banker look, harking back to his Republican days. He is a former Boeing manager and at one time was mayor of Mercer Island.

Ross Hunter
The newest entry into the race. Ross is in the State House representing the 48th district. A former Microsoft Executive his demeanor directly contrasts with Jarrett. Hunter is very intense and outgoing.

Since the position has been made non-partisan, it's possible that 2 of these candidates could face in other in the General Election. Susan Hutchinson (a former news anchor at KIRO7 TV) has announced her intention to run. She is thought to favor the Republican Party.

Ross Hunter Will Run For County Exec

48th District State Representative Ross Hunter became the 4th Democrat to enter the race for King County Executive. The race has become hot since 3 term incumbent Ron Sims was chosen to be Deputy HUD Secretary in the Obama Administration.
Hunter characterized himself as someone who "gets things done" and also alluded to the fact that he can get people angry. The position has recently become non-partisan, some say to allow Republicans to run better in a county that is traditionally solidly Democratic.