Constantine

Polls Open at 7, Party Starts at 5

Executive Constantine Does Sound Rather Regal, No?

From a conversation with Dow Constantine last night: DW: "Are you running for executive?" Constantine: "My job as KC Council chair right now is to ensure that we have a fair open and extremely effective appointment process." Constantine added that people have approached him about taking over the ... More >>

News of the Expected: Dow Throws Hat In for Exec

Dow Constantine will officially announce later this morning that he's taking on Larry Phillips--and anyone else seeking the soon-to-be-empty King County Executive Seat. The announcement is hardly a shock; when asked earlier about running after Ron Sims announced his departure, Constantine said "My j ... More >>

The Executive Candidates Go a Courtin'

Like two equally popular homecoming queen hopefuls flirting shamelessly with the debate team to push them over the edge, Larry Phillips and Dow Constantine are zooming in on rural King County dwellers, hoping for a few extra votes. In Seattle, Constantine and Phillips have both been very successful ... More >>

It's Never Too Early to Claim a Little Victory

Having watched several campaigns play out over the last several years, the first rule of thumb seems to be--half your message should be why people should vote for you, the other half should be convincing people that everyone else is already voting for you. It's an "I'm winning and you should get o ... More >>

Dow Sees Larry's Big Money, Raises Him Rock Stars

See, he hangs out with cool people like promoter David Meinert. Meinert will be there Thursday, April 23. Constantine clarifies that the Gregoires have not endorsed him.Yesterday Larry Phillips sent out an I'm-pulling-ahead press release after out-fundraising Dow Constantine in the King County Execu ... More >>

Do Schools Need Sewers?

Yes. So to curb rural growth, Dow Constantine’s keeping new schools off the pipes.

I See Evil Dudes

Keanu's OK as a comic-book demon hunter, although Satan ain't as scary as he used to be.

Following Greg

Keanu's OK as a comic-book demon hunter, although Satan ain't as scary as he used to be.

Exec Candidates: Your New Super-Needy Boyfriend

You're making it hard not to.A few years back I was totally crushing on this guy I'd see once every couple of months when I sang with a local classical music group. He was tall, handsome, seemed a little distant and aloof--totally swoon worthy. I just about passed out one spring day when he walked o ... More >>

Constantine Challenges Hutchison to a Duel

Still seeking Susan.With state Sen. Karen Keiser, sitting at a nearby table, nodding in affirmation, Dow Constantine conceded the "front-runner" mantle in the King County Executive's race to Susan Hutchison this afternoon. Then he did his best to remind everyone that Hutchison is conservative with a ... More >>

Constantine Challenges Hutchison Again

Yesterday, King County Exec candidate Dow Constantine called out King County Exec candidate Susan Hutchison, basically labeling her a conservative Republican in mute's clothing and challenging her to a duel at the Seattle Public Library. (I don't believe the SPL's new rules address duels.) Hutchison ... More >>

Dow and Susan Draw Swords at Dueling Pressers

Everyone else in the King County Exec's race seems pretty content to let Dow Constantine and Susan Hutchison battle it out until they're both reduced to smoldering heaps of rubble. Of course, this is Seattle so the accusations hurtling around are about things like hidden conservative agendas and vag ... More >>

In an Election Year Everybody's Got a Touch of Republican

Read his lips: no new taxes. Probably.Despite making a big deal about Susan Hutchison's secret Republicanness, Dow Constantine and the rest of the King County Executive candidates aren't exactly champing at the bit to hike taxes to pay for beloved social programs either. Yesterday King County Exec ... More >>

And What of Previous Problems in King County Audits?

Defender of good project management and fiscal accountability.An audit released yesterday [PDF] by State Auditor Brian Sonntag's office found the county is letting construction project costs get out of hand and poorly tracks them. Apparently in the roads division, managers just name projects whateve ... More >>

Poll: In Non-Partisan Race, Partisan Bickering, Name Recognition Good

Not actually running, but would make a formidable candidate, especially if he's willing to throw downThe last time KING-5 did a poll on the King County Executive race, Susan Hutchison was the front runner with 34%, and Dow Constantine was in third place with 8%. Since then, Constantine's pummeled Hu ... More >>

Rights Groups' Rally at Council Meeting Pays Off

Carlos Marentes (in the suit, on the right) addresses the group before entering chambers. Filling King County Council chambers with supporters appeared to get the job done for a coalition of labor, civil rights, and immigrant advocacy groups, as Councilmembers assured them movement on their stalled ... More >>

The Enviros 'Heart' Dow

Between his sway with rock stars, appeal to the kids, and now the sole endorsement from the Sierra Club, it might appear Dow Constantine is becoming the most likely Democrat to make it through the August King County Executive primary. Technically it's non-partisan but conventional wisdom says the ... More >>

State's Largest Gun Control Group Endorses Constantine

Washington Ceasefire has endorsed Dow Constantine for King County Executive. Their rationale for doing so can be found here. This announcement is somewhat surprising when you consider Ceasefire honored one of Constantine's opponents, Ross Hunter, at its annual banquet in May.

Survey USA Says: Dow May Get His Wish For a Duel With Hutchison

​In the latest poll commissioned by King 5, Survey USA finds Dow Constantine pulling ahead of the pack to challenge former news anchor Susan Hutchison. Hutchison looks pretty much guaranteed a trip to the general election, holding steady at 39 percent of likely voters, according to the poll. ... More >>

The Dow Is on the Rise

​Another day, another favorable poll for Dow Constantine. Once mired in the mass of non-Susan Hutchison candidates for King County exec, Constantine's now all by his lonesome in second and, according to yesterday's KING-5/SurveyUSA poll, closing in on the former KIRO anchor. The new numbers: H ... More >>

Hutchison's Call and Response, Tears for Phillips, and Constantine Gears Up For a Fight

​With about half of the ballots expected to arrive in King County Elections counted, it looks like the Executive race in the November general election will be the former television anchor vs the former DJ. As of 9:52 p.m., according to the King County Elections Web site, Susan Hutchison held a ... More >>

"Non-Partisan," "Bring People Together," and "Executive Experience" Are All Under 140 Characters

​In her radio debate with Larry Phillips, leading King County Executive vote-getter Susan Hutchison exasperated KUOW host Steve Scher with her adherence to the talking points in the headline above. Now, she has another forum in which to deliver them--one that is more tolerant of, er, brevity. ... More >>

Hutchison Isn't Hiding For the General, Calls on Constantine to Debate

​​They already love being in front of cameras. After Dow Constantine spent much of the King County Executive primary campaign focusing his attacks on Susan Hutchison, calling on her to make more appearances and discuss her past affiliations with groups like the Intelligent Design-pushin ... More >>

Constantine vs. Hutchison: Round 1 Scheduled

​Earlier this week, Susan Hutchison made a big show of challenging Dow Constantine (seen here with the Mariner Moose) to a series of televised debates, which may not be such a challenge, because Constantine said they were already setting it up. Nonetheless, the first of the three is now on the ... More >>

Washington State Dems Are Endorsing Dow, But Where Are the Locals?

Why is he still alone on the local election stage?​Over the last week, almost every Democratic member of Washington's Congressional delegation or statewide office holders has endorsed Dow Constantine in the race for King County Executive. As of today, the list includes both U.S. Senators, four ... More >>

Constantine Still Waiting for the Also-Rans’ Support

His primary competitors are keeping quiet.

It's No Group Hug, But Constantine Gets the Nod From Former Rivals

Constantine's more affectionate supporters Dave Meinert and Christine Gregoire got company from his former rivals.​They didn't have a hand-holding press conference or anything, but former King County Executive candidates Fred Jarrett, Larry Phillips and Ross Hunter all officially endorsed Dow ... More >>

Constantine Responds to Hutchison Via Old Wendy's Commercial

​"We've been waiting for months," Dow Constantine began his response to Susan Hutchison's anti-climactic press conference this morning announcing endorsements from Lt. Governor Brad Owen and former Mayor Wes Uhlman. Constantine said that he (like the gaggle of reporters who attended both pre ... More >>

Dow, But Not Out

Having led a charmed political career, can Council Chair Constantine come from behind in the race for King County Exec?

State Dems Just Want to Remind You: Hutchison's a Republican

​State Dems chair Dwight Pelz just kicked out an e-mail asking people to "Save King County." He quickly lists some of County Executive hopeful Susan Hutchison's Republican ties--donations to Mike Huckabee and George W. Bush--and says she's anti-environment and anti-choice. But as SW noted two ... More >>

Dow’s Painted Pledge to the South Park Bridge

Paying for it will be a lot stickier.

PDC Going Forward With Constantine Investigation

​As Keith Ervin writes in today's Seattle Times, the state Public Disclosure Commission decided to go forward with an investigation into the roll of Jason Bennett and his company Argo Strategies in both Dow Constantine's campaign as well as a political action committee that attacked Susan Hutc ... More >>

Executive Cannibalism at the Aquarium

Shark attack!​Walking to the Seattle Aquarium for last night's King County Executive forum, I gave my parents a call for our weekly chat. My mom, a third grade teacher, had just done a training for a lesson on sharks and she was full of new and interesting tidbits like: "did you know sharks' e ... More >>

Your Morning Campaign Round-Up

​- Unlike his underfunded competitor, Mayoral candidate Joe Mallahan has raised a lot of money this campaign season. Over $140,000 in the last month alone. But he's still $95,000 in the red. - A new poll shows Susan Hutchison widening her lead over Dow Constantine for King County Executive. ... More >>

Dow Is Down

Did Dow really not do that thing that woman didn't accuse him of doing?​No, not Dow Constantine, the Dow Jones Industrial Average. It lost 250 points today, reports the Seattle Times. Okay that's not why you're reading this post so let's get to the part with a hint of sex scandal. The other ... More >>

Drinking With Politicians (And Is Dow Constantine Stepping Out on Mike McGinn?)

Like watching politicos do shots? Hit the election parties tomorrow night!​Mail-in ballots are pouring in to the King County Elections office. (Get yours post-marked by tomorrow if you want it to count!) So far, the office has received about 20 percent of the ballots that went out here in Seat ... More >>

Closing the Book on the Dow Constantine Non-Scandal Scandal

Nope, Jane Doe did not accuse Constantine of sexual harassment.​Update: Jane Doe sent a statement to the media last night, details below the jump. They still aren't naming names. But King County Superior Court Judge Michael Trickey signed an order today overturning most of the previous restra ... More >>

Why Run For Office When You Can Get Appointed? Well, Here's a Reason

Zack Hudgins wants to be your next appointed King County Councilmember.​Running for office is hard. All that signature-gathering and fundraising and baby-kissing--just the thought is exhausting enough to turn most people off. It's so much easier to wait for someone to leave their seat (or just ... More >>

The Stealth Plan to Expand the West Seattle Water Taxi

Now that the Water Taxi's back on course, Constantine can smile even wider.​Last July, in the heat of the crowded race for King County Executive, the King County Ferry District seemed all but doomed. Of the candidates running, only Dow Constantine was committed to staying the course with the f ... More >>

New Wave

Dow Constantine’s election as King County Executive means expanded service, and a friend in the front office, for the West Seattle Water Taxi.

Dow Constantine's Plan for Office: Build Planes and Trains, Rescue the Economy, Save the Environment, Cure Cancer

New King County Executive Dow Constantine surveys his subjects, er, constituents.​Okay, all but that last one. Before a backdrop of organ pipes and pews packed with political allies and foes alike, newly sworn-in King County Executive Dow Constantine took the pulpit at the former First Unite ... More >>

Jan Drago Takes Another Shot at Office

FacebookJan Drago does not give up.​Since deciding to retire from the City Council, Jan Drago has made it quite clear she does not plan to play any shuffleboard. This spring she applied to become the new CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce but lost out to Phil Bussey. Then she finis ... More >>

King-Making Is Alive and Well in King County Politics

FlickrRunning for office is so hard. Getting appointed is much easier. Right, Joe?​You may think we live in a democratic society where office holders earn the right to represent people in government based on a popular vote. Not so much. With Dow Constantine's ascension to the Executive's offi ... More >>

Brawl of the Week: Larry Phillips v. Dow Constantine

Dow Constantine (left) and Larry Phillips are having a rematch.​Revenge is a dish best served cold, or so the saying goes. And King County Councilmember Larry Phillips is getting his. For the last week, he has been making it very clear that if Dow Constantine wants his support for his proposed ... More >>

Dow Constantine Wants to Cut County Energy Consumption 10 Percent in Two Years

​With air conditioning units whirring nearby on the roof of the Chinook building, King County Executive Dow Constantine pledged to reduce the amount of energy each county building uses by 10 percent in the next two years with at least half of all energy consumed coming from renewable sources. ... More >>

Dow Constantine's County Budget Is the Best Prop 1 Ad Ever

​Turning a budget crisis into a hostage negotiation -- "Give us the one-point property tax increase or the puppy orphanage gets it!" -- is a maneuver as old as politics itself. Which is why King County Executive Dow Constantine's press conference yesterday, in which he unveiled deep cuts to pu ... More >>

Election Night '09: Dow Constantine Wins Prom Queen, Er, King County Executive

Enjoy the love now, Dow, it's only going to get harder from here.​Party: Dow Constantine Location: The Crystal Ballroom at the Edgewater Hotel (ironically, the place where Susan Hutchison reveled in her own primary election victory in August.) Mood: So excited that even though the election ret ... More >>

Dow Constantine's Ban of Anti-Israeli/Palestinian Bus Ads Costs County Its Best Argument For Changing Policy

​King County Executive Dow Constantine would have had a credible argument that the Metro Transit system's policy of allowing controversial "for cause" advertising on buses was costing too much in staff time and resources and should be changed. Unfortunately, he may have lost the bulk of that c ... More >>

Westside Connections

How West Seattle became the city's most powerful political enclave.