Constantine Flow Chart

By Erica C. Barnett, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 5:50 PM
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King County Council member Dow Constantine’s successful run for King County Executive will soon unleash a domino effect of political vacancies.

Up first, obviously, is Constantine’s own King County Council seat. That position will be filled by a vote of the remaining eight members of the county council—four Republicans (until the council became ostensibly “nonpartisan” last year, that is) and four Democrats. Expect the jockeying for that position to get intense: Democratic state representatives Sharon Nelson (D-34), Joe McDermott (D-34), and Zach Hudgins (D-11) are all reportedly in contention; Nelson, a former Constantine staffer, may face opposition from Constantine opponents, like Larry Phillips, on the council.

Up second, if Constantine is replaced by one of those state representatives, is replacing that person in the legislature. That person would be chosen by the King County Council from a slate of three candidates chosen by the precinct committee officers in the former legislator’s district (in this example, either the 34th or the 11th). No names yet for that candidate, but we’ll let you know as soon as I hear.

Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, state Sen. Fred Jarrett (D-41) will need to be replaced on a relative fast track, certainly before the next legislative session starts in mid-January. Assuming she wants it, state Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-41) seems almost certain to nab that seat (chosen by the same process outlined for choosing a new state representative above), leaving a gap in the house. Her replacement, similarly, would ultimately be chosen from a PCO-picked slate of three by the county council.

Names on the list so far: Democratic Party activist Aaron Belenky (likely to be popular with party PCOs), unsuccessful pro-transit Bellevue City Council candidate Vicky Orrico (who may be hamstrung by her lack of experience in elective office), and new Mercer Island City Council member Mike Grady (a long shot, given that his job at the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration doesn’t allow him to hold partisan office).

  • JuneBug
    Would love to see an out lesbian take a seat in the 34th - none in the legislature today and plenty live in West Seattle!
  • Ian
    RE: WA Bus, Josh Johnston, and the 34th

    1) The Bus cannot endorse candidates. Something about being a C-3 instead of a C-4. That's why Trick Or Vote focused only on R71 and I-1033, right? I'm not sure what restrains them in "non-partisan" races, except that the candidates are clearly partisan.

    2) Several members of the Bus supported conservative candidates this election cycle. Thomas Goldstein publicly gave his personal endorsement to Tom Albro, for example. (He wasn't alone among Bus staff.)

    3) Ivan tells the truth about how the 34th works, as far as I can tell. Think about it though, what is more responsible than elevating individuals whom have a demonstrated commitment to progressive values?

    4) I don't know Josh's full resume, but he should be a strong contender. As far as women, how about WA Public Campaigns (aka Clean Elections) President Marcee Stone? I would think she's at or near the top of a very short list.
  • JayDeez
    This is interesting chatter...I think Ivan has captured the essence here. In addition, while I agree the 34thDDs may be "dysfunctional" at times, Dow is indebted to their hard work and they actually DO get things done. Indeed, I'm surprised Erica wasn't more thorough this time around....What about Kim Becklund? She has been a public policy a go-getter for 20 years. She has worked in Olympia, been a consultant, and currently is a prominent position on policy matters for the city of Bellevue. Any thoughts?
  • ivan
    @ 30:

    We know the PCOs won't be picking Dow's replacement. It's a "nonpartisan" seat now. But they WILL be appointing to fill state legislative vacancies, because those seats ARE partisan.

    The 34th is all of West Seattle, all of Vashon, most of North Highline, most of Burien, and most of the 8th CD. Deal with it.
  • wsoutsider
    @34 you're clueless. I'm done.
  • Westie
    @33 You mean Joe's work history doing underground tours? What other work history does he have?
  • wsoutsider
    I guess that's why the 36th is considering a resolution tonight to support Joe McDermott because the 34th wants to run everything. The fact jack is that the 34th gets things done and Joe's work history is what's going to make the difference here.
  • Westie
    The 20 insiders at the 34th Dems want to control a democratic process for 200,000 constituents... but the fact is that most people in West Seattle consider the 34th Dems a completely dysfunctional organization that doesn't represent their interests.
  • wsoutsider
    Ivan is telling it like it is in the 34th. The entire district is in the 8th, how is that a small part of the 8th? Parts of the 33rd and 11th but the whole enchilada is the 34th. Joe has done more for this area for longer than anyone in office around here. And seriously, the Mayor of Normandy Park? Nice guy but seriously. Oh, by the way, there are some bona fide women contenders in the 34th. Sexist for sure that nobody remembers that. The 34th knows their business and who their talent is and where their loyalties lie. Need a liberal, democratic barometer -- call the 34th or ghost busters. BTW - the Bus likes republicans who masquerade as "progressives", i.e., Tom Albro. Get a clue, Bus, you'll never get a dime from me.
  • ghost
    Not everyone in the 34th LD supports McDermott for Dow's seat. Far from it.
    The 8th CD includes th 34th and parts of the 11th and 33rd LD's, and West Seattle is only a small part of it. People in the southern part of the 8th CD are starting to line up behind Normandy Park Mayor Shawn McEvoy.
    And PCO's will not be picking Dow's replacement. Since the council became non-partisan, the choice will be made by the other eight councilmembers from a short list provided by a selection committee that is taking form right now with members from every corner of the district.
  • I'm just a girl...
    Vicki Orrico would be an amazing choice. Smart, well liked in the community, lots of policy experience (just because she hasnt held an ELECTED office doesnt mean she hasn't been around Erica -- did you even bother to Google search her name?)

    The other question that isnt covered here is a prediction of how many pieces the 41st Dems will dissolve into given their current internal drama and the number of people who cant stand misogynist bully Chair Jeff Smith, who most certainly will want to pull an Ivan and be the "decider" on all of these appointments.
  • wondering
    I live in West Seattle (not active in Dems) and just thought it was pretty haughty of you to say the only reson for a PCO vote is state law.

    Seems like the candidates should be snuggling up to you and only you if they want a shot at the appointment. At least according to your comments.

    You should let the different candidates know what kind of wine you prefer, preferred seat level at Seahawks games, and any other outside interests they might be helpful with.

    You da man.
  • ivan
    @ 26:

    Most ignorant people suffer from one delusion or another. I guess this one's yours.
  • wondering
    So the PCO vote is just a formality to rubber stamp whoever you decide is the best fit Ivan?
  • ivan
    @ 25:

    Because state law requires a vote of PCOs.
  • wondering
    Seems like Ivan is the person who gets to decide who wins the appointment. Why even have a "vote" of the PCOs if Ivan is the "decider"?
  • ivan
    @ 22:

    Joe McDermott is the overwhelming choice of the electorate in this District. Suppose you give me one good reason why Joe should not be appointed.
  • eddiew
    no responses to the Nickels suggestion at 10?
  • ivan
    @ 19:

    Bill Schrier. Plenty of public sector chops from his long and distinguished career in tech policy in the Nickels administration (hell, even Josh and Erica like him), tech savvy, a STRONG voice for working people, an UNQUESTIONED work ethic from his long service to the District, and UNIVERSALLY beloved and respected among the District's PCOs. If Bill has an enemy, or even a detractor, in the District, I have yet to meet that person.

    @ 20:

    We don't have the power to diictate, but we have the power to influence. Our reach is long, and our grip is strong. Ferguson will hear from us. And he will hear from his own constituents. Ditto for Phillips.

    This "caretaker" is a bad idea. It leaves an important, diverse, and politically active District ill-represented for a year, when we could have our obvious choice.

    The Council can't force a "caretaker" NOT to file for election. It's still a free country in that regard. That would lead to a costly, nasty Democrat-on-Democrat primary, in which the Republicans could sit back and watch us cut each other up in a mess that THEY caused by playing partisan politics.

    The Democrats need to stand together and implement the will of the electorate. No playing footsie with Republicans. No fucking "caretaker." They need very much not to fuck with us or there will be hell to pay. Whoever thinks that is an empty threat should bring a bucket to catch the blood.
  • J.R.
    @16, 17, 18: There are only eight votes that will determine the Council appointment and those belong to eight County Councilmembers, including all four Republicans. The 34th District Democrats don't have the power to dictate the officeholder or the process. Bob Ferguson has already proposed legislation mandating the caretaker concept.
  • Alice Roosevelt
    As I posted on another string, I hear that some of the other Councilmembers want Zach Hudgins, so as not to have someone on the Council that Dow supports. Things have gotten pretty icky up there, from what I hear. Bad choice in several ways, including that Hudgins is not the most liked person out there and his appointment would not sit well with the 34th.

    As to 34th, really curious about this since I know the 34th well and nobody quite jumps to mind for this job. Some of the people listed as potentials, like Mike Heavey, Jr and Dorsol Plants, will be great in about 5-10 years, but have a bit to go. Based on his resume, I should know Joshua Johnston, but only have vague recollections of his name - and Ivan is right, there is too long of a bench (and a contentious bench) for a newbie to step in.

    In the 41st, I think both Mike Grady and Aaron Belenky would be interesting choices and curious to see what happens there.
  • ivan
    @ 16:

    Plus, any "caretaker" agreement is unacceptable, period. We know who we want on the County Council and we intend to have him.

    It is interesting that the Republicans, who pushed so hard to make the executive position and their Council seats "nonpartisan" -- as if -- are now dicking around with this seat just to poke Dow and Joe and Sharon in the eye. What is that if it is not partisan? They are frauds and hypocrites, in addition to being incompetent at governance.
  • ivan
    @ 16:

    Get real! Nobody knows who the hell Joshua Johnston even *is.* If one in 20 PCOs could even pick him out of a police lineup, I'd be amazed. No newbie is walking into the 34th and coming out with any Legislative appointment. Our "bench" is far too deep, and service to the District is rewarded along with a *demonstrated* fitness and qualification to serve in Olympia.

    We're a long way from any House appointment anyway. First we have to get Joe appointed, and that might take some mobilizing.
  • bluedawg
    @11 and @15 seem to have the best info on Dow's seat. The 34th is the biggest portion of the 8th and Hudgins doesn't have the votes.

    I hate to be the first person to use the word, but caretaker...?

    If not, the open spot in the 34th will be Sharon's House seat. I have heard four names, but everyone I've talked to says the contenders are Joshua Johnston and Bill Schrier.
  • lorax
    The 8th council district and the 34th LD both include a lot more than West Seattle. That said, the 34th is the only LD that is entirely within the 8th council district, and Joe has represented way more of Dow's constituents than the other contender, Zack Hudgins, who appears to only want to be a councilmember to use it as a stepping-stone to his long-held dream of taking Adam Smith's seat in Congress. See: http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/politics/2009/0...
  • ivan
    @ 12:

    The 34th LD, which Joe represents, is far bigger than West Seattle. It has by far the bulk of the population, and the bulk of the active Democrats, in Council District 8. You can beg to differ all you want to, but you're wrong.

    @ 13:

    Wrong again. I'm not interested.
  • Truth is Out of Style
    Ivan just wants Joe to get it so Sharon can move up and he can take a state house seat.
  • Lew
    @11, I beg to differ. Joe is a relative unknown in some parts of District 8. The District is bigger than West Seattle.
  • ivan
    Sharon Nelson is not in contention for Dow's County Council seat. She supports Joe McDermott, who is the overwhelming choice of Council District 8 constituents to fill the position. Sharon would then seek appointment to Joe's Senate seat.

    Greg Doss is not a candidate for appointment to the House, although he would be an excellent choice. He will be staying put in the City of Seattle budget department to see it through the present fiscal crisis.

    There's more, but I'm not interested in doing Erica's job for her.
  • West Seattlelite
    I believe there is one other person who is looking for a job and can takeover Dow's place at the County and is from West Seattle, ....... Greg Nickels!
  • James
    Oh, the bus that likes to work for republicans?

    Was that sarcastic?
  • James
    Names on the list so far: Democratic Party activist Aaron Belenky (likely to be popular with party PCOs), unsuccessful pro-transit Bellevue City Council candidate Vicky Orrico (who may be hamstrung by her lack of experience in elective office

    Experience? You mean like Judy Clibborn experience?

    Orrico is smart and progressive - THAT is her disadvantage.
  • leftylawyer
    I've heard a lot of people in WS talking about Josh Johnston as a candidate too. Haven't heard anyone in the 34th Dems talking about Heavy or Doss. As for the BUS, I think wsoutsider is a little too outside; they are a solid progressive youth orginization.
  • Marge
    Grady is definately not new but seems to be gaming for a new political job. Perhaps a little too overtly - one of the other huge reasons why he should be considered a very long shot.
  • wsoutsider
    Oh, the bus that likes to work for republicans?
  • LEFTisRIGHT
    Joshua Johnston is actively seeking a (possible) appointment in the 34th as well. Former Norm Dicks & Julia Patterson staffer, field staff on multiple campaigns before that, and founder of the Washington Bus.
  • wsoutsider
    There are a raft of women as well...
  • cuyahoga
    Mike Grady isn't new to the MI City Council. He's been on the council since 2005.
  • John Cochtoasten
    No names from the 34th? That's hard to believe... here's a few: 34th Dems Chair Tim Nuse, Former City Council Candidate Dorsol Plants, Constantine staffer Mike Heavy Jr., and City of Seattle's Greg Doss.
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