A Point Worth Highlighting

News October 28, 2009 at 8:49 am Morning Fizz

1. A closer look at the poll numbers in the Seattle mayoral race shows that Joe Mallahan has opened up a huge lead among voters who identify themselves as “moderates” and “independents.” Between September 15 and October 20, Mallahan’s lead among moderates grew from a margin of 47-31 over his opponent, Mike McGinn, to 54-27—27 percent.

Among independents, Mallahan’s lead grew from 43-35 on September 15 to 52-24 in the Washington Poll announced yesterday— 28 percent. Conventional wisdom says that successful candidates run to the middle to win general elections, and that appears to be exactly what Mallahan is doing.

However, one caveat: Nineteen percent of voters still identify themselves as “undecided,” and McGinn did end up winning over many of those who identified themselves that way before the August primary. So the race is still anybody’s guess.

2. Friends of Seattle—whose endorsement interview with council Position 8 candidate Robert Rosencrantz revealed his flip-flop on the issue of tolling—has come out hard against Rosencrantz, releasing a new campaign video called “Robert Rosencrantz has the WRONG VALUES for Seattle.”

The video says that Rosencrantz opposes a woman’s right to choose, wants to ditch Sound Transit in favor of a new highway-building agency, and of being a Republican:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP4g5njkpZE[/youtube]

3. RonK’s comment on our post yesterday about polling on Tim Eyman’s tax-slashing Initiative 1033 (which shows the initiative losing by a significant margin) came in too late for Comment of the Day, but he made a point worth highlighting:

“Tracking polls will not reflect the King County can’t-find-it-on-the-ballot effect, will they?”

He’s referring to the fact that 1033 is hard to find on ballots in King County. If you haven’t voted yet, it’s in the lower left-hand corner (image via No on 1033):

king_county_ballot_vote_no

4. Last night’s CityClub-sponsored Speed Candi-Dating event (awesome idea, btw) was sparsely attended (do it a bar next time, rather than a blank corporate rental). But it was entertaining.

Observations: Nick Licata couldn’t get a “date” to save his life (guess everyone’s made their mind up in that race); representatives for Joe Mallahan and Mike McGinn spent an inordinate amount of time talking about transit (one attendee was adamant that the new mayor “get the homeless people off the bus” by ditching the ride-free area, which Mallahan’s rep said he probably wouldn’t support); and Tom Carr and Pete Holmes still can’t stand each other.

5. No plans on Halloween afternoon? The Washington Bus, No on 1033, and Yes on R-71 are holding a costumed canvassing event called Trick or Vote starting at 2 pm at the Old Rainier Cold Storage in Georgetown (5840 Airport Way S). Info and RSVP here.

This morning’s Morning Fizz is brought to you by Kay Smith-Blum for Seattle School Board.

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Follow @publicolanews

http://www.baldmanwatching.wordpress.com/ Gabe

Go to Trick or Vote! Support R-71! Down with 1033!
http://www.baldmanwatching.wordpress.com Gabe

Go to Trick or Vote! Support R-71! Down with 1033!
Michael M.

Nothing pisses me off more than a fellow Democrat being accused of being a Republican.

First, the Choice issue. Robert has taken a ton of hits because instead of just saying “yes” on questionnaires, he gives a response that focuses on prevent unplanned pregnancies to begin with. In an effort to personally clear this up, I asked him, point blank, where he stood on a woman’s right to choose (should not be infringed upon), parental notification (he would like his children to tell him were they in such a situation, but recognizes not all families are as safe for children, and does not support changing state law), and dispensing Plan B (supports the state law, which, unfortunately, is in litigation).

The one area where he is not 100% in line with some in the Choice community is that he believes doctors and medical staff should not be forced by their employer to perform or assist on elective abortion procedures. My counter-argument – should doctors be forced to perform heart surgery if they’re a dermatologist?

With respect to the TRU questionnaire – I read that, too. He made very clear that he wants to see more buses and transit. On the issue of revenue sources, he did say probably not. O’Brien said that we should charge fees for people to use Park and Ride lots. What I ask – what additional revenue sources would people like to see?

When it comes to the question of the “Culture of Seattle”, I have always taken this to mean the same thing that O’Brien stands for – giving more power to neighborhoods for planning in those neighborhoods. Rosencrantz (and O’Brien) are both people who would spar with the Mayor because of their strong support of neighborhoods. Same thing with parks.

Is Rosencrantz as far out on the left as O’Brien? No. But I really don’t think that O’Brien is that far on the left to begin with.
http://publicola.net/ Josh Feit

Michael M.,

We asked him all those questions too. While he hides behind the “pending litigation” cover on Plan B, he did tell us he supported conscience clauses.

http://publicola.net/?p=16399
http://publicola.net/ Josh Feit

Michael M.,

We asked him all those questions too. While he hides behind the “pending litigation” cover on Plan B, he did tell us he supported conscience clauses.

http://publicola.net/?p=16399
Patrick

I love the website, but I am a math guy…..

I’m even a mallahan supporter…..

But a change from 47-31 to 54-27 is not an upward shift of 27 points.

It’s a shift of 11 points. Still very substantial, but not 27 points.

You could also say that “Mallahan has opened a 27 point lead among …”

Just my two cents….and yes, only 2 cents, not 7 cents.
Patrick

I love the website, but I am a math guy…..

I’m even a mallahan supporter…..

But a change from 47-31 to 54-27 is not an upward shift of 27 points.

It’s a shift of 11 points. Still very substantial, but not 27 points.

You could also say that “Mallahan has opened a 27 point lead among …”

Just my two cents….and yes, only 2 cents, not 7 cents.
http://www.fattailed.com/ Fat-tailed

Mallahan staff saying he “probably wouldn’t” support something — anything — is perhaps the boldest stand taken in his name to date.
http://www.fattailed.com Fat-tailed

Mallahan staff saying he “probably wouldn’t” support something — anything — is perhaps the boldest stand taken in his name to date.
Deep Throat

Mallahan has now raised $666,000.

You know what that means. He’s coming, people. Right here in Seattle.
Deep Throat

Mallahan has now raised $666,000.

You know what that means. He’s coming, people. Right here in Seattle.
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

Last night something occurred to me. 1033′s hidden location on the corner of the ballot may be to the advantage of the No on 1033 side. Few people are passionately in favor of the measure, but many many people are passionately against it. Those with any sort of vested or passionate opinion for the measure will go out of their way to find it.

Casual and lesser interested voters, which the yes side may have a higher ratio of, are more likely to overlook the measure. It won’t come to mind unless they see it. This can play to the No side’s advantage.
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

Last night something occurred to me. 1033′s hidden location on the corner of the ballot may be to the advantage of the No on 1033 side. Few people are passionately in favor of the measure, but many many people are passionately against it. Those with any sort of vested or passionate opinion for the measure will go out of their way to find it.

Casual and lesser interested voters, which the yes side may have a higher ratio of, are more likely to overlook the measure. It won’t come to mind unless they see it. This can play to the No side’s advantage.
Eric Koszyk

You should mention also that the Washington Poll is completely unreliable. There are serious questions regarding its methodology and sample size. It was also taken over an 11 day period — which is a rather long time for a poll.

In fact any poll for a local election like this one is completely meaningless. There are so many undecideds, it really can go either way. Whoever gets their supporters to vote wins.

My bet is on McGinn because he has a lot more volunteers and they are very passionate about their candidate.
Eric Koszyk

You should mention also that the Washington Poll is completely unreliable. There are serious questions regarding its methodology and sample size. It was also taken over an 11 day period — which is a rather long time for a poll.

In fact any poll for a local election like this one is completely meaningless. There are so many undecideds, it really can go either way. Whoever gets their supporters to vote wins.

My bet is on McGinn because he has a lot more volunteers and they are very passionate about their candidate.
Eric Koszyk

The Washington poll’s pre-primary results (2 weeks before the primary):

1) Greg Nickels 23%
2) Joe Mallahan 11%
3) James Donaldson 10%
4) Jan Drago 9%
5) Mike McGinn 9%

This was a poll of 600 likely Seattle voters.

The current poll, according to the people who conducted it, is of 400 likely Seattle voters. That is a very small sample size.

Moreover, since more than half of the poll were Seattle voters, their results for both Referendum 71 and I-1088 should not be taken seriously.
Eric Koszyk

The Washington poll’s pre-primary results (2 weeks before the primary):

1) Greg Nickels 23%
2) Joe Mallahan 11%
3) James Donaldson 10%
4) Jan Drago 9%
5) Mike McGinn 9%

This was a poll of 600 likely Seattle voters.

The current poll, according to the people who conducted it, is of 400 likely Seattle voters. That is a very small sample size.

Moreover, since more than half of the poll were Seattle voters, their results for both Referendum 71 and I-1088 should not be taken seriously.
soriley

@9- I-1033
soriley

@9- I-1033
http://washingtonbus.wordpress.com/ The Washington Bus

Trick or Vote is going to be huge, and it’s the last, biggest door-to-door push to tell voters to Approve R-71 and vote No on 1033. If you care about these issues, and like dressing up and eating candy, then you are the perfect Trick or Voter.

Check out more info (and our awesome poster, complete with hidden jokes) at our website, and our blog.
http://washingtonbus.wordpress.com The Washington Bus

Trick or Vote is going to be huge, and it’s the last, biggest door-to-door push to tell voters to Approve R-71 and vote No on 1033. If you care about these issues, and like dressing up and eating candy, then you are the perfect Trick or Voter.

Check out more info (and our awesome poster, complete with hidden jokes) at our website, and our blog.
Luigi Giovanni

Bruce Ramsey takes Publicola to task:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2010147176_bruce28.html?prmid=op_ed
Luigi Giovanni

Bruce Ramsey takes Publicola to task:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2010147176_bruce28.html?prmid=op_ed
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

8 and 9. Eric, that was also a primary with several different choices, most of which had sizable support bases. This race is in a general election with only two choices.

You’re not going to see the variance in a general, between polling and the final results, that you saw in the primary, where the top vote getters have a relatively small percentage of votes and a small swing in votes can swing the entire outcome.
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

8 and 9. Eric, that was also a primary with several different choices, most of which had sizable support bases. This race is in a general election with only two choices.

You’re not going to see the variance in a general, between polling and the final results, that you saw in the primary, where the top vote getters have a relatively small percentage of votes and a small swing in votes can swing the entire outcome.
Michael M.

@3 -

And he was specifically referring to staff of the medical clinics. This does get into the plan b debate a bit more, but my understanding has always been his reference is for elective abortion procedures (not to be confused with non-elective, which they even do at Catholic hospitals…I’ll spare the details).

Now, is Robert Rosencrantz someone who will fight vociferously for abortion? Probably not. However, in the position of City Council Member, he has pledged to provide full funding, and has indicated a preference for expanded funding, for clinics that help prevent unintended pregnancies. More importantly, no abortion related decisions actually occur at the City Council level, and the idea that he would use this as a springboard to higher office is, in my opinion, ridiculous.

To be frank, I think either Mike or Robert would be an excellent city council member, and each comes with a different approach, but both, I feel, would be part of the team that the City Council really should be. As for the most important part – Mike brings a hot ass, and Robert gives us a near twin of Licata to look at. (That’s right…I ended a sentence with a preposition!)

In the end, I just get pissed when people call Democrats that nasty nasty word when it isn’t warranted.

@8

That was a long time for a poll…However, it seems to be on par with the SurveyUSA poll, as well as the Publicola poll. The undecideds will be playing a major part, but I just don’t see McGinn winning. Mallahan also has a lot of volunteers, as well as a whole boat load of union members doorbelling and phone banking.
Michael M.

@3 -

And he was specifically referring to staff of the medical clinics. This does get into the plan b debate a bit more, but my understanding has always been his reference is for elective abortion procedures (not to be confused with non-elective, which they even do at Catholic hospitals…I’ll spare the details).

Now, is Robert Rosencrantz someone who will fight vociferously for abortion? Probably not. However, in the position of City Council Member, he has pledged to provide full funding, and has indicated a preference for expanded funding, for clinics that help prevent unintended pregnancies. More importantly, no abortion related decisions actually occur at the City Council level, and the idea that he would use this as a springboard to higher office is, in my opinion, ridiculous.

To be frank, I think either Mike or Robert would be an excellent city council member, and each comes with a different approach, but both, I feel, would be part of the team that the City Council really should be. As for the most important part – Mike brings a hot ass, and Robert gives us a near twin of Licata to look at. (That’s right…I ended a sentence with a preposition!)

In the end, I just get pissed when people call Democrats that nasty nasty word when it isn’t warranted.

@8

That was a long time for a poll…However, it seems to be on par with the SurveyUSA poll, as well as the Publicola poll. The undecideds will be playing a major part, but I just don’t see McGinn winning. Mallahan also has a lot of volunteers, as well as a whole boat load of union members doorbelling and phone banking.
Stacy, Stacey, Stacie

@8 Eric Koszyk

The unreported story is the high number of Mallahan volunteers. I think McGinn’s volunteer advantage is overstated. Besides, Mallahan’s paid media advantage is significant.

It’s all about how the undecided voters break and Mallahan seems to only need 1/3 of the undecided voters to win.

@9 Also, remember that statistical methodology of polling two choice race (candidates or ballot measure) is much simpler than a multi-candidate field. You’re comparing apples and oranges. (and the ballot measure is I-1033, not I-1088).
Gail

That Rosencrantz add is scary as shit!
Stacy, Stacey, Stacie

@8 Eric Koszyk

The unreported story is the high number of Mallahan volunteers. I think McGinn’s volunteer advantage is overstated. Besides, Mallahan’s paid media advantage is significant.

It’s all about how the undecided voters break and Mallahan seems to only need 1/3 of the undecided voters to win.

@9 Also, remember that statistical methodology of polling two choice race (candidates or ballot measure) is much simpler than a multi-candidate field. You’re comparing apples and oranges. (and the ballot measure is I-1033, not I-1088).
Gail

That Rosencrantz add is scary as shit!
Michael M.

@ Triple Stacy:

It’s about time you came back!
Michael M.

@ Triple Stacy:

It’s about time you came back!
T. Chen

Yes, eliminate the ride-free area. Do this by making cash fares more than fare paid with passes and the Orca card. And eliminate paper transfers. If you want a transfer, get an ORCA card!

This will cut down on unpleasant passengers refusing to pay fares upon exit, and it will reduce other types of fraud. METRO claims only about $3 million worth of fare evasion per year, but I think that number is quite low. It probably doesn’t take into account fraud with phony or old U-PASS stickers, and crumpled up old transfers that are quickly flashed at the driver while the fraudster shuffles past the driver.

Orca card passengers can board quickly, in a fraction of the time it takes to pay with cash and hand out a transfer. Eliminating the ride-free area will also cut down on bewildered passengers being told that they pay when they get off.
T. Chen

Yes, eliminate the ride-free area. Do this by making cash fares more than fare paid with passes and the Orca card. And eliminate paper transfers. If you want a transfer, get an ORCA card!

This will cut down on unpleasant passengers refusing to pay fares upon exit, and it will reduce other types of fraud. METRO claims only about $3 million worth of fare evasion per year, but I think that number is quite low. It probably doesn’t take into account fraud with phony or old U-PASS stickers, and crumpled up old transfers that are quickly flashed at the driver while the fraudster shuffles past the driver.

Orca card passengers can board quickly, in a fraction of the time it takes to pay with cash and hand out a transfer. Eliminating the ride-free area will also cut down on bewildered passengers being told that they pay when they get off.
RonK, Seattle

Gomez @ 7 — The ballot design problem is that I-1033 is hidden only in King COunty – and the state depends on King County votes to carry the progressive side of any statewide election.
RonK, Seattle

Gomez @ 7 — The ballot design problem is that I-1033 is hidden only in King COunty – and the state depends on King County votes to carry the progressive side of any statewide election.
OMG it

Holy bonkers, Susan Hutchison has a new TV ad up on their website…That one is going to stand out for sure!
OMG it

Holy bonkers, Susan Hutchison has a new TV ad up on their website…That one is going to stand out for sure!
Hihankara

The Speed Candi-Dating event would have been much better attended if it didnt conflict with the WSDCC’s Maggie Awards, which were really unfortunately timed. Don’t blame it all on the poor choice of setting–Id have been there if not for the Maggies! (Or, you know, actually campaigning on phone banks…)
Hihankara

The Speed Candi-Dating event would have been much better attended if it didnt conflict with the WSDCC’s Maggie Awards, which were really unfortunately timed. Don’t blame it all on the poor choice of setting–Id have been there if not for the Maggies! (Or, you know, actually campaigning on phone banks…)
Erica C. Barnett

@4: Duh. Thank you — it’s a 27-point margin, not a 27-point gain. Fixed.
Erica C. Barnett

@4: Duh. Thank you — it’s a 27-point margin, not a 27-point gain. Fixed.
Stacy, Stacey, Stacie

@17 Michael M.

Yesterday was a busy day. Work stuff, nonprofit stuff, campaign volunteer stuff, the Maggies, …

Sorry that I couldn’t be more present here at the Cola.
Stacy, Stacey, Stacie

@17 Michael M.

Yesterday was a busy day. Work stuff, nonprofit stuff, campaign volunteer stuff, the Maggies, …

Sorry that I couldn’t be more present here at the Cola.
Mike Phillips

To be clear, undecided didn’t really break for McGinn in the pre-primary polls. They broke against Nickels. Mallahan and McGinn both won big chunks of undecideds. McGinn is having trouble getting any further traction among a much more informed electorate this time. It’s hard to see why they would break in his favor in anywhere near the numbers he needs.

Biggest problem for him is still the independents and republicans breaking against him in such big ratios. They will be turned out by the GOP for Hutchinson’s race.
Mike Phillips

To be clear, undecided didn’t really break for McGinn in the pre-primary polls. They broke against Nickels. Mallahan and McGinn both won big chunks of undecideds. McGinn is having trouble getting any further traction among a much more informed electorate this time. It’s hard to see why they would break in his favor in anywhere near the numbers he needs.

Biggest problem for him is still the independents and republicans breaking against him in such big ratios. They will be turned out by the GOP for Hutchinson’s race.
Reprehensible

Well of course Carr hates Holmes, Carr said Holmes was “reprehensible” when Holmes said the injured firefighter case illustrated how Carr should’ve been more settlement oriented.

Carr himself said in his 2001 voters pamphlet he would use settlement and mediation more.

Yet another flip flop from Tom Carr: it’s okay for him to tout settlment to get elected, but don’t you DARE bring it up when he’s trying to get re-elected, or else you’re “reprehensible.”

My kind of strong, tough, prosecutor man. Just the kind of guy who’ll try to put someone in jail for nine months for stealing a $1.72 can of tuna — after the guy had served 30 days.
Reprehensible

Well of course Carr hates Holmes, Carr said Holmes was “reprehensible” when Holmes said the injured firefighter case illustrated how Carr should’ve been more settlement oriented.

Carr himself said in his 2001 voters pamphlet he would use settlement and mediation more.

Yet another flip flop from Tom Carr: it’s okay for him to tout settlment to get elected, but don’t you DARE bring it up when he’s trying to get re-elected, or else you’re “reprehensible.”

My kind of strong, tough, prosecutor man. Just the kind of guy who’ll try to put someone in jail for nine months for stealing a $1.72 can of tuna — after the guy had served 30 days.
Michael M.

@20 – yet another case for having registration here at the Cola.

@23 – Well, glad to see you’re back. I’m sure people prefer your respectful approach to my shoot from the hip style Although, the transportation discussion I’ve been having in yesterday’s fizz with Chaz has been quite cordial and awesome. God I love me!
Michael M.

@20 – yet another case for having registration here at the Cola.

@23 – Well, glad to see you’re back. I’m sure people prefer your respectful approach to my shoot from the hip style Although, the transportation discussion I’ve been having in yesterday’s fizz with Chaz has been quite cordial and awesome. God I love me!
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

19. Again, I expect more of those in favor of 1033 to miss it due to the design flaw than those against it.
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

19. Again, I expect more of those in favor of 1033 to miss it due to the design flaw than those against it.
Michael M.

@27 -

And, let’s face it, those for it in King County are the same SE KC voters that are going to be voting for the Hutch…clearly not that bright to begin with.
Michael M.

@27 -

And, let’s face it, those for it in King County are the same SE KC voters that are going to be voting for the Hutch…clearly not that bright to begin with.
Love2Hate

Nick Licata vs Jeese Israel = Nick by +18
Sally Bagshaw vs David Bloom = Sally by +23
Sally and Jeese are having their party at the same
place. Bad idea, Kathy, in your otherwise excellent
campaign. Better send Nick a fruit basket or something.

Robert Rosencrantz vs Mike O’brien = Very close. Robert by +2.
Carr Vs Holmes = Holmes by +15
Dick Conlin vs David Ginsberg = Dick by + 20
McGinn vs Mallahan = Mallahan by +7
MILF Hutch vs Dow = Hutch by +12
Holland vs Doud = Holland by +31
Albro vs Mad Max = Max by + 19
Creighton vs SMS = Creighton is done.
Hara vs the 5 other guys = Hara by +8
Love2Hate

Nick Licata vs Jeese Israel = Nick by +18
Sally Bagshaw vs David Bloom = Sally by +23
Sally and Jeese are having their party at the same
place. Bad idea, Kathy, in your otherwise excellent
campaign. Better send Nick a fruit basket or something.

Robert Rosencrantz vs Mike O’brien = Very close. Robert by +2.
Carr Vs Holmes = Holmes by +15
Dick Conlin vs David Ginsberg = Dick by + 20
McGinn vs Mallahan = Mallahan by +7
MILF Hutch vs Dow = Hutch by +12
Holland vs Doud = Holland by +31
Albro vs Mad Max = Max by + 19
Creighton vs SMS = Creighton is done.
Hara vs the 5 other guys = Hara by +8
Michael M.

@29 -

Are they really both doing theirs at the Spitfire? Ouch.

*meh*…the 43rd will be celebrating the end of this season, along with the approval of R71, at Purr up on Capitol Hill. It will be much more fun!!!
Michael M.

@29 -

Are they really both doing theirs at the Spitfire? Ouch.

*meh*…the 43rd will be celebrating the end of this season, along with the approval of R71, at Purr up on Capitol Hill. It will be much more fun!!!
sarah68

“Elective abortion”? An elective abortion is an abortion. A non-elective abortion is an emergency operation to save a life. Roe v. Wade does not refer to the latter; it specifies abortion, period. And Robert R. is indeed a very nice man and would be a decent Councilmember but he is not a Democrat. We’ve got to somehow keep some standards when it comes to shades of political opinion. Hutchison is, of course, a Republican also. Whether someone voted for Obama has no bearing on that. It seems EVERYone voted for Obama and we know that’s not quite true.

In 7 days we’ll find out who won. There’s no point in wasting time with polls now; the Mayoral race is too volatile, no matter what supporters say.
sarah68

“Elective abortion”? An elective abortion is an abortion. A non-elective abortion is an emergency operation to save a life. Roe v. Wade does not refer to the latter; it specifies abortion, period. And Robert R. is indeed a very nice man and would be a decent Councilmember but he is not a Democrat. We’ve got to somehow keep some standards when it comes to shades of political opinion. Hutchison is, of course, a Republican also. Whether someone voted for Obama has no bearing on that. It seems EVERYone voted for Obama and we know that’s not quite true.

In 7 days we’ll find out who won. There’s no point in wasting time with polls now; the Mayoral race is too volatile, no matter what supporters say.
Michael G

Thanks Michael M. for your comments @2. It bothers me greatly to see these kinds of sleazy and dishonest attack ads. And what’s this bit about the “Culture of Seattle”? That sounds like the sort of rhetoric Glenn Beck would use.
Michael G

Thanks Michael M. for your comments @2. It bothers me greatly to see these kinds of sleazy and dishonest attack ads. And what’s this bit about the “Culture of Seattle”? That sounds like the sort of rhetoric Glenn Beck would use.
ivan

sarah68 @ 31:

Just for once, can you PLEASE restrain yourself from making shit up? Rosencrantz is a Democrat. He has been for years, and he has never failed to call himself a Democrat on his King County Democratic Central Committee questionnaires, or in the 5-6 candidate interviews I have helped conduct with him.

Plenty of Democrats support him. I don’t, and I won’t, but I don’t have to misrepresent him and neither do you.
ivan

sarah68 @ 31:

Just for once, can you PLEASE restrain yourself from making shit up? Rosencrantz is a Democrat. He has been for years, and he has never failed to call himself a Democrat on his King County Democratic Central Committee questionnaires, or in the 5-6 candidate interviews I have helped conduct with him.

Plenty of Democrats support him. I don’t, and I won’t, but I don’t have to misrepresent him and neither do you.
Michael M.

@31 -

Roe v. Wade had to do with elective abortion. And now you force me to get into details.

If a woman is pregnant, and there is fetal demise while the fetus is intact at, say, 10 weeks, then the Dilation and Cutterage procedure will still be used. It’s no longer aborting a pregnancy, true, but is the same procedure.

Of course, there is also spontaneous abortion, a/k/a miscarriage.

So, when it comes to choice, Robert Rosencrantz is pro-choice.

What is very troubling, however, is your assertion that we need to have “standards” for people to be Democrats. I’m not sure if you are aware, but the Democratic Party is about far more than a woman’s right to choose. It’s about equality for gays and lesbians (which Robert supports). It’s about providing living wage jobs (which Robert supports). It’s about access to affordable housing (which not only does Robert support, but has been very involved in over the years, and addressing this issue on a regional basis). It’s about a green economy, and environmental protection (which Robert supports).

And we, as a Party, accept people into our tent, even if they don’t agree on every issue. By your standards, we would lose our supermajority in the U.S. Senate, and possibly even our majority in both the Senate and the House, because some people aren’t “pro choice” enough for you.
Michael M.

@31 -

Roe v. Wade had to do with elective abortion. And now you force me to get into details.

If a woman is pregnant, and there is fetal demise while the fetus is intact at, say, 10 weeks, then the Dilation and Cutterage procedure will still be used. It’s no longer aborting a pregnancy, true, but is the same procedure.

Of course, there is also spontaneous abortion, a/k/a miscarriage.

So, when it comes to choice, Robert Rosencrantz is pro-choice.

What is very troubling, however, is your assertion that we need to have “standards” for people to be Democrats. I’m not sure if you are aware, but the Democratic Party is about far more than a woman’s right to choose. It’s about equality for gays and lesbians (which Robert supports). It’s about providing living wage jobs (which Robert supports). It’s about access to affordable housing (which not only does Robert support, but has been very involved in over the years, and addressing this issue on a regional basis). It’s about a green economy, and environmental protection (which Robert supports).

And we, as a Party, accept people into our tent, even if they don’t agree on every issue. By your standards, we would lose our supermajority in the U.S. Senate, and possibly even our majority in both the Senate and the House, because some people aren’t “pro choice” enough for you.
Michael M.

@34

To put it more plainly – Party Purification is for the Republicans. We are better than that.
Michael M.

@34

To put it more plainly – Party Purification is for the Republicans. We are better than that.
Brian K

More and BETTER Democrats, people.
Brian K

More and BETTER Democrats, people.
J.R.

@34: Yes, it’s probably possible for Robert Rosencrantz to be both a pro-lifer and a Democrat. But this Democrat doesn’t vote for pro-lifers for any public office. Go Mike!
J.R.

@34: Yes, it’s probably possible for Robert Rosencrantz to be both a pro-lifer and a Democrat. But this Democrat doesn’t vote for pro-lifers for any public office. Go Mike!
Michael M.

@37 – Robert Rosencrantz isn’t anti-choice. He is not an activist, sure, but he is pro-choice. I wouldn’t defend him otherwise.

And for god’s sake, have a better reason to vote for a city council member. Vote for Mike because you like tolls. Vote for Mike because you like bikes. Vote for Mike because you want a finance background on the City Council. Hell, vote for Mike because of his hot, chiseled ass. But don’t go and spread a lie that is as preposterous as this.
Michael M.

@37 – Robert Rosencrantz isn’t anti-choice. He is not an activist, sure, but he is pro-choice. I wouldn’t defend him otherwise.

And for god’s sake, have a better reason to vote for a city council member. Vote for Mike because you like tolls. Vote for Mike because you like bikes. Vote for Mike because you want a finance background on the City Council. Hell, vote for Mike because of his hot, chiseled ass. But don’t go and spread a lie that is as preposterous as this.
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

One more note: If we’re going to villanize Tom Carr for police action against bars, then let’s go ahead and also villainize Pete Holmes for letting the SPD get away with multiple repeated indiscretions, including rampant instances of racially motivated harassment, during his time overseeing the SPD as the head of the OPA. What’s fair is fair.
http://gomezticator.livejournal.com/tag/2009+election Gomez

One more note: If we’re going to villanize Tom Carr for police action against bars, then let’s go ahead and also villainize Pete Holmes for letting the SPD get away with multiple repeated indiscretions, including rampant instances of racially motivated harassment, during his time overseeing the SPD as the head of the OPA. What’s fair is fair.
Michael M.

Nothing pisses me off more than a fellow Democrat being accused of being a Republican.

First, the Choice issue. Robert has taken a ton of hits because instead of just saying “yes” on questionnaires, he gives a response that focuses on prevent unplanned pregnancies to begin with. In an effort to personally clear this up, I asked him, point blank, where he stood on a woman's right to choose (should not be infringed upon), parental notification (he would like his children to tell him were they in such a situation, but recognizes not all families are as safe for children, and does not support changing state law), and dispensing Plan B (supports the state law, which, unfortunately, is in litigation).

The one area where he is not 100% in line with some in the Choice community is that he believes doctors and medical staff should not be forced by their employer to perform or assist on elective abortion procedures. My counter-argument – should doctors be forced to perform heart surgery if they're a dermatologist?

With respect to the TRU questionnaire – I read that, too. He made very clear that he wants to see more buses and transit. On the issue of revenue sources, he did say probably not. O'Brien said that we should charge fees for people to use Park and Ride lots. What I ask – what additional revenue sources would people like to see?

When it comes to the question of the “Culture of Seattle”, I have always taken this to mean the same thing that O'Brien stands for – giving more power to neighborhoods for planning in those neighborhoods. Rosencrantz (and O'Brien) are both people who would spar with the Mayor because of their strong support of neighborhoods. Same thing with parks.

Is Rosencrantz as far out on the left as O'Brien? No. But I really don't think that O'Brien is that far on the left to begin with.

Viva La Cola!

A Point Worth Highlighting