Who Will Represent the Hipsters?
Ed Murray, the state representative you hate if you love firing your gay employees for getting stuck in traffic, is running for State Senate. He will take on incumbent Pat Thibaudeau this September in Seattle's 43rd District.
Is this decision a good idea for Murray and the state's progressive cause? Dan Savage at the Stranger says Yay. George Howland at the Weekly says Nay.
Murray has represented the 43rd since 1995, and after pushing for the passage of two major pieces of legislation (last year's transportation plan and this year's civil rights bill), he has never been more powerful or popular.
However, a loss this fall would leave the man many expect to replace Congress McDermott out of local politics. Undaunted by this, he told the Times his reasons: "I recognize it as a huge risk, and potentially ending my political career. But I feel so strongly about the issues and about having a gay or lesbian person in the Senate...that I'm willing to take that risk." Adding, "Politics is not just about being safe." Spoken like a true Democrat.
Murray's vacancy in the House means that his seat is now up for grabs, and six candidates have already emerged.
We cannot wait for the 43rd District Democrat endorsement meeting this summer.
