Scant Opportunities for New Local Dems
Most politicians dream of holding a real position of power-- sure, city council is nice, but it isn't going to get you on 'Meet The Press.' However, Seattle Democrats who are looking to hold one of these positions may have a long wait. Consider, if you will, that the governor's office, both senate offices, and our congressional office are filled by healthy, scandal-free individuals. Without term limits these four may be there for a while.
Senator Murray just won re-election and hasn't shown any signs that this will be her last term. Senator Cantwell is up for re-election next year and, in the unlikely event that she is defeated, a Democrat won't be able to challenge this mystery GOP candidate until 2012.
Governor Gregoire could be sent home by the courts, but if she isn't could run for years or be defeated in 2008. We are already envisioning an army of SUVs on 405 with 'Re-Defeat Gregoire' bumper stickers. If she does lose it would again be 2012 before the office could be open to a Democrat.
That leaves our Congressman Baghdad "Jim" McDermott, who has represented the 7th District since 1988. Barring an all McGriddle diet he appears to be our Congressman for many years to come. Twenty years from now when we're zipping around town on Segways, congressional pages may be wheeling him into committee meetings--he could be our Strom Thurmond.
This logjam of power has many with higher ambitions stuck in neutral. Yet it is good news for those about to graduate college and hold political aspirations but are worried about the job market. Take your time, join the Peace Corps, go to law school, and become photogenic. By the time a position in Olympia or Washington DC opens up you'll look like the perfect candidate next to the gray-haired and walker-confined Ron Sims.
