Last night, at a meeting of his fellow architects, Seattle City Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck announced that he will not seek reelection this fall.
I first met Peter in the spring of 2003. I had seen an article in the Seattle Weekly about how the mayor had “targeted” certain councilmembers for defeat, and Steinbrueck was on the list. Peter was a very strong candidate; it was conventional wisdom that he would pose a serious challenge to Mayor Greg Nickels. While I liked Nickels for playing hardball (unlike previous mayors), I liked Peter more, and committed extra time to his reelection bid.
As it turns out, he was a shoe-in. Peter’s main opponent (husband of Deborah Senn, Rudi Bertschi) dropped out of the race, leaving only a token candidate (no offense, Zander). This turned out to be a great thing; I was an awful volunteer coordinator. But it was fun, and getting involved in campaigns is a great way for folks to make a difference. This is especially true in local races; you get the chance to meet and get to know the candidate.
Peter Steinbrueck will leave the city council to do what he has done during his time on the council; fight for his beliefs. He’s mentioned that he might yet run for mayor, or even Congress.
Congressman Peter Steinbrueck (D-Seattle)… I could get used to that.
is this the first sign that mcdermott is going to retire soon? if true, it’s going to be a pretty heavy primary with everyone wanting to get their hands on that seat.
if peter thinks mcdermott will wait until 2010, then a quick stop as mayor would serve him well.
Nickels has got to go. Steinbrueck would be a very good alternative. Of course I would vote for a dirty sock for mayor over Nickels.
Nickels is in the pocket of the downtown moneyed interests, whose objectives are not in anyone’s interest except their own.
If the Sonics owners can afford to give $1.1 million to a hate group, why do they need my tax money to build their arena? Taxing me to support their private for-profit business while they make political donations forces me to support causes I detest. That’s wrong!
@ 3
So what?
My interests are my own. Your interests are your own. Goldy’s interests are his own.
Everyone acts in their own self-interest.
How will you pry McDermott (D-ineffective) out of office?
Steinbrueck would be much better as Mayor than as Congressman, I think. His passion and skill lie in improving Seattle with more responsible urban policy. We have a superabundance of people who would make great congressmen whenever McDermott retires.
I don’t see McDermott retiring for a long time. I see Nickels choosing between retirement and defeat very soon.
Im so disapointed Peter is leaving denying me the pleasure of voting him out,he was the architect of the Seattle way. Good ridance,maybe now we can get something done.