Washblog

Many important positions and issues are at stake in today's primary election.  Links to the Washington State and King County election results pages are above.  I've been focused on the Port of Seattle races.  My first hope has been for the re-election of current Commissioner Alec Fisken, who has steadfastly kept his promise to stand up for the public interest at the scandal-ridden Port.  With approximately 12% of the vote counted so far, things are looking good.  It appears likely that Fisken, who has what might be called a commanding lead (41.85% in a 4-way race) will make it to the general election -- and is in a good position for the general.  Only the top two vote-getters in the Port primary will proceed to the general election.

Bill Bryant, the Republican candidate who appeared to try to hide that political preference, is currently in second place.  His 30.10% share of the vote shows that he'll have a tough time beating Fisken in November.  Good!  Catherine J. Perkins is coming in third at 30.09%.

In the other Port position on the ballot, incumbent Bob Edwards is lagging slightly behind Gael Tarleton's 31.08% at 28.16%.   Edwards is widely considered to be part of the culture of secrecy, poor management, and obedience to special interests that now appears to characterize Port operations.  But Tarleton, running as a reform candidate, has also come under scrutiny for accepting nearly $19,000 in campaign donations from people associated with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).  Tarleton was an SAIC Vice President and retains substantial personal investment in the company.  SAIC, which helped lobby the US into war with Iraq and has made billions from the war, has substantial business and prospective business with the Port of Seattle.  Tarelton nevertheless has been loyally championed by many progressives -- mightily surprising some observers, including me.  Thom McCann is coming in third at 19.86% of the vote. Jack Block Jr. is fourth at 10.92%.