Politics
(2009-10-15)
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SEATTLE
(KPLU) -
Governor Chris Gregiore has made an unusual foray into Seattle politics: she's endorsed businessman Joe Mallahan for mayor over lawyer and activist Mike McGinn.
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It's not common for a sitting governor to weigh in on a Seattle election. But in a written statement, Gregoire says Mallahan is the only candidate in the race with what she calls "proven experience and a willingness to work closely with Seattle's diverse citizens, businesses, unions and state and local elected officials."
It's pretty clear that the governor's decision has a lot to do with the tunnel being planned to replace the city's aging Alaskan Way Viaduct. Last January, Gregoire - flanked by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and then-King County executive Ron Sims - announced an agreement to build the $4.2 billion deep-bore tunnel. State lawmakers approved the project, but candidate Mike McGinn has promised to torpedo it if elected mayor. Mallahan supports the tunnel plan.
It's not clear what impact the governor's endorsement will have on the Seattle mayor's race. Gregoire got strong backing from Seattle voters when she ran for re-election last year. But McGinn's background as a leader in the Sierra Club appeals to many of those same voters.
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