Yes, I know we're all about more and better Democrats here, and Kshama Sawant is a member of the Socialist Alternative party. But, her campaign and candidacy for the Seattle City Council is being given credit for making the rest of the so-called Dems in our city government that were running for office in 2013 a big kick in the liberal butt. Sawant, an economics professor at Seattle Central Community College, emerged from the Occupy protests in 2011 as one of the natural leaders. And her city council campaign staked out positions on the $15/hr minimum wage that pushed the debate in most city elections towards her position.
That's a long way of saying she may not be a Democrat, but she sure made the Dems running for office into "better Democrats".
Sadly, on election night, she was behind by more than 6,000 votes and about 5% total. But, just like now-outgoing Mayor Mike McGinn's victory 4 years ago, Sawant's losing margin has narrowed steadily as our all-votes-by-mail results have trickled in throughout the week. And now the difference is about 1%, with over 30,000 votes outstanding, and recent returns all breaking her way. If the trend continues, not only will she overtake long-time Councilmember Richard Conlin, but she may gain enough votes to avoid a recount.
Conlin, if you have been around Seattle long enough you know, was originally elected as a neighborhood/environmental activist, but in the 16 years in office, he has become much more developer-friendly and car transportation focused. His positions the homeless encampment known as Nicklesville as well as his position on the Big Dig Part II (Deep Bore SR-99) have left him open to the argument that he no longer represents those that put him in office originally.
This little post is to let you know this interesting vote trend and also to incite you to action. The Sawant campaign needs volunteers and cash to keep up the fight. They are canvassing supporters' votes to make sure any problems with signatures are addressed and every last vote is counted. If there is a recount, they will need help for that too. So even though she is not a Dem, supporting Kshama Sawant definitely helps the "better Democrats" theme around here, and hopefully she will pull this race out in the end.
UPDATE: Lots o debate in the comments about whether the final paragraph of this diary 'breaks the rules' around here about 3rd party advocacy. Just to be clear, I am not advocating for the Socialist Alternative party. I happen to like this particular candidate in this particular non-partisan race. Yes, Sawant's opponent was Democrat by name (DINO as some of you have said), but as I or anyone who follows Seattle politics for the last couple decades would know, Richard Conlin is one of the worst if not the worst on the City Council on progressive issues anymore. Sawant's candidacy has made the D's in the race better D's. If she wins, she will make the whole council better, IMHO. So, I advocate for her because I believe she will make the council better, not because I want the Socialist Alternative party to be a now power voting block or any stuff like that. I'm not sure how I do that without running afoul of the 3rd party politics rules here, and tried to address that up front and tread lightly. I understand and appreciate everyone's thoughts on how to best do that. I was honestly at a loss. Figured I'd just give it a try and hopefully we can sort it out together. So, the comments and input and even the single HR are all appreciated as part of the healthy debate. Not really sure what else to say, but I think this is important news, and I'm glad it was not hidden.