Sims And Locke Invade "The Other Washington"

Area polititians Gary Locke and Ron Sims were barrier breakers who now work for a President who himself is a barrier breaker. Members of the Obama cabinet, they are featured in a lighthearted way on the cover of " Washington Law And Politics" magazine.

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.

Ron Sims Appointed To HUD

King County Executive Ron Sims has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Housing And Urban Development by President Obama. Sims has been King County Executive for 12 years, the first African-American to hold that position.