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Founded in January 2009, PubliCola is a blog about Seattle written by journalists who are dedicated to non-partisan, original daily reporting that prioritizes a balanced approach to news. Started by longtime local editor and award-winning reporter Josh Feit, PubliCola is the first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol.

PubliCola was off and running. In June 2009, PubliCola hired another award-winning journalist, super-sourced Seattle city hall reporter Erica C. Barnett.

People were afraid that blogging would change journalism. Instead, we believe journalism can change blogging. Twenty-first century journalism may look and feel different, and yes Erica isn't afraid to get cranky, but we're committed to making sure online news still delivers independent, reliable, even-keeled coverage. And most of all, we're committed to making sure the coverage sparks honest civic debate.

Bringing you cola for the people, PubliCola is named after Publius Valerius PubliCola, the alias for the authors of the Federalist Papers—the original bloggers.

The first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol and Seattle city hall, PubliCola has been called a “must-read” by the Seattle Post Intelligencer and a hot “New Media Mover and Shaker” by Seattle Magazine—which also cited our own Erica C. Barnett as the city's No. 1 news nerd.

Our Predictions. (Not our Endorsements)

dewey_defeats_truman11

Here’s who we think is going to make it through the primary.

Mayor’s Race:

Erica says: Mallahan and Nickels, although I could be totally wrong.

Josh says: Mallahan and McGinn.

King County Executive:

Erica says: Constantine and Hutchison.

Josh says: Constantine and Hutchison.

City Council Pos. 4

Erica says: Bagshaw and Bloom.

Josh says Bagshaw and Bloom.

City Council Pos. 6

Erica says Licata and Israel.

Josh says Israel and Licata.

City Council Pos. 8

Erica says  O’Brien and Royer.

Josh says Rosencrantz and Royer.

Bag Fee

Erica says it goes down.

Josh says it goes down.

Here’s who we endorsed .


  • Christopher Stefan

    Mostly my feelings, though I really don’t have a clue as to who is going to make it to the general in the pos. 8 race. I hope Josh is wrong and it isn’t the two “business as usual” candidates.

  • Christopher Stefan

    Mostly my feelings, though I really don’t have a clue as to who is going to make it to the general in the pos. 8 race. I hope Josh is wrong and it isn’t the two “business as usual” candidates.

  • Christopher Stefan

    Mostly my feelings, though I really don’t have a clue as to who is going to make it to the general in the pos. 8 race. I hope Josh is wrong and it isn’t the two “business as usual” candidates.

  • Leaward

    Those damn port races don’t git no respect.

  • Leaward

    Those damn port races don’t git no respect.

  • Leaward

    Those damn port races don’t git no respect.

  • T

    While I’d love to see a Mallahan/McGinn showdown, Nickels will get by just on his name recognition and incumbent status.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org N in Seattle

    After seeing these predictions, I’m even more depressed than usual.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org N in Seattle

    After seeing these predictions, I’m even more depressed than usual.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org N in Seattle

    After seeing these predictions, I’m even more depressed than usual.

  • jeffuppy

    Mallahan/McGinn Josh? Come on.

  • jeffuppy

    Mallahan/McGinn Josh? Come on.

  • Jack

    God save Seattle if in November our choice is Mallahan and McGinn!!

  • Jack

    God save Seattle if in November our choice is Mallahan and McGinn!!

  • jeffuppy

    Mallahan/McGinn Josh? Come on.

  • Jack

    God save Seattle if in November our choice is Mallahan and McGinn!!

  • hmmm

    Josh… it is clear that the stint in Olympia really put you out of touch with Seattle based politics

  • hmmm

    Josh… it is clear that the stint in Olympia really put you out of touch with Seattle based politics

  • hmmm

    Josh… it is clear that the stint in Olympia really put you out of touch with Seattle based politics

  • curious

    you’re nothing if not bold with the mcginn/mallahan show down. i assume you are seeing 26% in that current poll and think the undecideds will break for either of the two challengers (with 6% each for donaldson and drago), possibly pushing them both past Greg. tomorrow will be interesting.

  • curious

    you’re nothing if not bold with the mcginn/mallahan show down. i assume you are seeing 26% in that current poll and think the undecideds will break for either of the two challengers (with 6% each for donaldson and drago), possibly pushing them both past Greg. tomorrow will be interesting.

  • curious

    you’re nothing if not bold with the mcginn/mallahan show down. i assume you are seeing 26% in that current poll and think the undecideds will break for either of the two challengers (with 6% each for donaldson and drago), possibly pushing them both past Greg. tomorrow will be interesting.

  • George

    Come on Josh. You can’t seriously believe that Nickels isn’t going to get through the primary.
    My predictions:
    Mallahan and Nickels
    and agree with you guys on all of the others and agree with Josh on Rosencrantz and Royer.

  • George

    Come on Josh. You can’t seriously believe that Nickels isn’t going to get through the primary.
    My predictions:
    Mallahan and Nickels
    and agree with you guys on all of the others and agree with Josh on Rosencrantz and Royer.

  • George

    Come on Josh. You can’t seriously believe that Nickels isn’t going to get through the primary.
    My predictions:
    Mallahan and Nickels
    and agree with you guys on all of the others and agree with Josh on Rosencrantz and Royer.

  • watcher

    the consistent low numbers for the eight year incumbent who’s been on ballots for about 20 years mean he ain’t gonna get ANY undecideds

    he’s sending resumes to HUD and US DOT already…..

  • watcher

    the consistent low numbers for the eight year incumbent who’s been on ballots for about 20 years mean he ain’t gonna get ANY undecideds

    he’s sending resumes to HUD and US DOT already…..

  • watcher

    the consistent low numbers for the eight year incumbent who’s been on ballots for about 20 years mean he ain’t gonna get ANY undecideds

    he’s sending resumes to HUD and US DOT already…..

  • winkles

    What happens if the primary is too close to call?

    As we’ve seen recently (Helloooo Dino Rossi! Helloooo Norm Coleman) recounts can take a long time. Yet, there are only about 3 months between the primary and the general election.

    Given the recent polling in the mayors race, its anyone’s guess as to who will move forward to the general. What happens if McGinn and Mallahan for example are less than 1% apart?

    Do they both keep on campaigning as if they were on the ballot? Will there be acrimonious lawsuits?

    Could be a

  • winkles

    What happens if the primary is too close to call?

    As we’ve seen recently (Helloooo Dino Rossi! Helloooo Norm Coleman) recounts can take a long time. Yet, there are only about 3 months between the primary and the general election.

    Given the recent polling in the mayors race, its anyone’s guess as to who will move forward to the general. What happens if McGinn and Mallahan for example are less than 1% apart?

    Do they both keep on campaigning as if they were on the ballot? Will there be acrimonious lawsuits?

    Could be a

  • winkles

    What happens if the primary is too close to call?

    As we’ve seen recently (Helloooo Dino Rossi! Helloooo Norm Coleman) recounts can take a long time. Yet, there are only about 3 months between the primary and the general election.

    Given the recent polling in the mayors race, its anyone’s guess as to who will move forward to the general. What happens if McGinn and Mallahan for example are less than 1% apart?

    Do they both keep on campaigning as if they were on the ballot? Will there be acrimonious lawsuits?

    Could be a

  • winkles

    Opps! scratch those last three words from the last post. Sloppy editing. Sorry

  • winkles

    Opps! scratch those last three words from the last post. Sloppy editing. Sorry

  • winkles

    Opps! scratch those last three words from the last post. Sloppy editing. Sorry

  • George

    Not likely that there will be a time consuming recount. You have to have money to pay for a recount or you have to be within the 1/4 or 1 percent of each other or something like that. Not a likely scenario.

  • George

    Not likely that there will be a time consuming recount. You have to have money to pay for a recount or you have to be within the 1/4 or 1 percent of each other or something like that. Not a likely scenario.

  • George

    Not likely that there will be a time consuming recount. You have to have money to pay for a recount or you have to be within the 1/4 or 1 percent of each other or something like that. Not a likely scenario.

  • The Bus does it!

    After tomorrow’s big young Seattle post-Obama turnout.
    Mayor:
    Nickels & McGinn
    Exec:
    Dow & Ross
    Pos 4:
    Bagshaw & Plants
    Pos 6:
    Licata & Israel
    Pos 8:
    O’Brian & Forch

    Bag Tax Passes

  • The Bus does it!

    After tomorrow’s big young Seattle post-Obama turnout.
    Mayor:
    Nickels & McGinn
    Exec:
    Dow & Ross
    Pos 4:
    Bagshaw & Plants
    Pos 6:
    Licata & Israel
    Pos 8:
    O’Brian & Forch

    Bag Tax Passes

  • The Bus does it!

    After tomorrow’s big young Seattle post-Obama turnout.
    Mayor:
    Nickels & McGinn
    Exec:
    Dow & Ross
    Pos 4:
    Bagshaw & Plants
    Pos 6:
    Licata & Israel
    Pos 8:
    O’Brian & Forch

    Bag Tax Passes

  • johnmocha

    Take a look over at the RVP poll (http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/) and it looks like Mallahan and McGinn it is. Given that its a mail in ballot vs electronic it will be interesting to see the impact of younger voters. My guess is that most will not take the time to get a stamp.

  • johnmocha

    Take a look over at the RVP poll (http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/) and it looks like Mallahan and McGinn it is. Given that its a mail in ballot vs electronic it will be interesting to see the impact of younger voters. My guess is that most will not take the time to get a stamp.

  • johnmocha

    Take a look over at the RVP poll (http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/) and it looks like Mallahan and McGinn it is. Given that its a mail in ballot vs electronic it will be interesting to see the impact of younger voters. My guess is that most will not take the time to get a stamp.

  • Predictomatic

    Mayor – Mallahan and Nickels, with Mallahan up by 3-5 points.

    Position 4 – Bagshaw and Bloom with Bagshaw in the mid-to-upper 40s and Dorsal Plants surprisingly close to Bloom.

    Position 6 – Licata and Kaplan, with Kaplan coming on late after Jessie’s “My mother says vote for me” ad dooms her among late voters.

    Position 8 – Rosencrantz and Miller eventual winners, surging late after O’Brien and Royer with early leads. Royer doomed among late voters with too sweaty “Vote for Charley, I mean Jordan” mailer. Most likely position requiring a recount.

    Bag Fee – Down by 12 points.

  • Predictomatic

    Mayor – Mallahan and Nickels, with Mallahan up by 3-5 points.

    Position 4 – Bagshaw and Bloom with Bagshaw in the mid-to-upper 40s and Dorsal Plants surprisingly close to Bloom.

    Position 6 – Licata and Kaplan, with Kaplan coming on late after Jessie’s “My mother says vote for me” ad dooms her among late voters.

    Position 8 – Rosencrantz and Miller eventual winners, surging late after O’Brien and Royer with early leads. Royer doomed among late voters with too sweaty “Vote for Charley, I mean Jordan” mailer. Most likely position requiring a recount.

    Bag Fee – Down by 12 points.

  • Predictomatic

    Mayor – Mallahan and Nickels, with Mallahan up by 3-5 points.

    Position 4 – Bagshaw and Bloom with Bagshaw in the mid-to-upper 40s and Dorsal Plants surprisingly close to Bloom.

    Position 6 – Licata and Kaplan, with Kaplan coming on late after Jessie’s “My mother says vote for me” ad dooms her among late voters.

    Position 8 – Rosencrantz and Miller eventual winners, surging late after O’Brien and Royer with early leads. Royer doomed among late voters with too sweaty “Vote for Charley, I mean Jordan” mailer. Most likely position requiring a recount.

    Bag Fee – Down by 12 points.

  • Zander

    Mayor – Nickels will become a lame duck as soon as the first tallies come in. Mallahan will become the front runner by default.

    Position 4: Bagshaw will draw commanding numbers. Bloom will be a distant 2nd. People will praise Plants even though he gets trounced.

    Position 6: Licata again. Israel will be the challenger due to her gender. Kaplan will get decent numbers undermining both Licata and Israel results.

    Position 8: We won’t really know until next Tuesday. After that Rosencrantz and O’Brien will continue their campaigns. Forch and Miller start talking about next time.

    Bag Fee: Down by 20 points. Finger pointing becomes part of the fall campaign for Position 2.

  • Zander

    Mayor – Nickels will become a lame duck as soon as the first tallies come in. Mallahan will become the front runner by default.

    Position 4: Bagshaw will draw commanding numbers. Bloom will be a distant 2nd. People will praise Plants even though he gets trounced.

    Position 6: Licata again. Israel will be the challenger due to her gender. Kaplan will get decent numbers undermining both Licata and Israel results.

    Position 8: We won’t really know until next Tuesday. After that Rosencrantz and O’Brien will continue their campaigns. Forch and Miller start talking about next time.

    Bag Fee: Down by 20 points. Finger pointing becomes part of the fall campaign for Position 2.

  • Zander

    Mayor – Nickels will become a lame duck as soon as the first tallies come in. Mallahan will become the front runner by default.

    Position 4: Bagshaw will draw commanding numbers. Bloom will be a distant 2nd. People will praise Plants even though he gets trounced.

    Position 6: Licata again. Israel will be the challenger due to her gender. Kaplan will get decent numbers undermining both Licata and Israel results.

    Position 8: We won’t really know until next Tuesday. After that Rosencrantz and O’Brien will continue their campaigns. Forch and Miller start talking about next time.

    Bag Fee: Down by 20 points. Finger pointing becomes part of the fall campaign for Position 2.

  • Micaphone

    Mayor’s Race:

    Mallahan and Nickels.

    King County Executive:

    Constantine and Hutchison.

    City Council Pos. 4

    Plants and Bloom.

    (I genuinely think the young crowd is going to come out for Plants, though I think it should be Bagshaw and Bloom)

    City Council Pos. 6

    Licata and Israel.

    City Council Pos. 8

    Forch and Rosencrantz

    Bag Fee

    It will not be approved.

    All that said, good luck to all candidates. To take time out of your day jobs and to campaign hard, not everyone does that. I commend all candidates for genuinely caring about the future of Seattle.

  • Micaphone

    Mayor’s Race:

    Mallahan and Nickels.

    King County Executive:

    Constantine and Hutchison.

    City Council Pos. 4

    Plants and Bloom.

    (I genuinely think the young crowd is going to come out for Plants, though I think it should be Bagshaw and Bloom)

    City Council Pos. 6

    Licata and Israel.

    City Council Pos. 8

    Forch and Rosencrantz

    Bag Fee

    It will not be approved.

    All that said, good luck to all candidates. To take time out of your day jobs and to campaign hard, not everyone does that. I commend all candidates for genuinely caring about the future of Seattle.

  • Micaphone

    Mayor’s Race:

    Mallahan and Nickels.

    King County Executive:

    Constantine and Hutchison.

    City Council Pos. 4

    Plants and Bloom.

    (I genuinely think the young crowd is going to come out for Plants, though I think it should be Bagshaw and Bloom)

    City Council Pos. 6

    Licata and Israel.

    City Council Pos. 8

    Forch and Rosencrantz

    Bag Fee

    It will not be approved.

    All that said, good luck to all candidates. To take time out of your day jobs and to campaign hard, not everyone does that. I commend all candidates for genuinely caring about the future of Seattle.

  • http://www.bombasticmo.com/ BombasticMo

    @14) How successful was the Washington Bus? I’ve seen some great campaigns… here’s hoping they got out the youth vote.

    I literally had to sit and watch over my 26-year-old roommate’s shoulder and tell him he had to fill out his ballot before he went to bed last night so it could be dropped off in a mail box this morning. This is after reminding him each day this weekend.

    Youthful apathy and procrastination worry me. I’m hoping to see Dorsal make it… but I’m worried that he won’t receive any votes from the over 30 crowd.

  • http://www.bombasticmo.com/ BombasticMo

    @14) How successful was the Washington Bus? I’ve seen some great campaigns… here’s hoping they got out the youth vote.

    I literally had to sit and watch over my 26-year-old roommate’s shoulder and tell him he had to fill out his ballot before he went to bed last night so it could be dropped off in a mail box this morning. This is after reminding him each day this weekend.

    Youthful apathy and procrastination worry me. I’m hoping to see Dorsal make it… but I’m worried that he won’t receive any votes from the over 30 crowd.

  • http://www.bombasticmo.com BombasticMo

    @14) How successful was the Washington Bus? I’ve seen some great campaigns… here’s hoping they got out the youth vote.

    I literally had to sit and watch over my 26-year-old roommate’s shoulder and tell him he had to fill out his ballot before he went to bed last night so it could be dropped off in a mail box this morning. This is after reminding him each day this weekend.

    Youthful apathy and procrastination worry me. I’m hoping to see Dorsal make it… but I’m worried that he won’t receive any votes from the over 30 crowd.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org N in Seattle

    Youthful apathy and procrastination worry me. I’m hoping to see Dorsal make it… but I’m worried that he won’t receive any votes from the over 30 crowd.

    I can assure you that he’s gotten at least one.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org N in Seattle

    Youthful apathy and procrastination worry me. I’m hoping to see Dorsal make it… but I’m worried that he won’t receive any votes from the over 30 crowd.

    I can assure you that he’s gotten at least one.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org N in Seattle

    Youthful apathy and procrastination worry me. I’m hoping to see Dorsal make it… but I’m worried that he won’t receive any votes from the over 30 crowd.

    I can assure you that he’s gotten at least one.

  • Mickymse

    If Joel Connelly at the P-I thinks folks should give Dorsol a look, then he can’t do too poorly with older voters. :-)

  • Mickymse

    If Joel Connelly at the P-I thinks folks should give Dorsol a look, then he can’t do too poorly with older voters. :-)

  • Mickymse

    If Joel Connelly at the P-I thinks folks should give Dorsol a look, then he can’t do too poorly with older voters. :-)

  • T

    While I'd love to see a Mallahan/McGinn showdown, Nickels will get by just on his name recognition and incumbent status.