The day after

Spokane:
According to updated figures by the Spokane County Auditor's department, Steve Corker is now in the lead in the race for the second spot in the Spokane City Council general election. As the last of precinct data came in last night, Corker trailed fellow Democrat Judith Gilmore by a mere dozen votes, but now leads by 21 votes after some absentees have been added to the total. Conservative Republican Nancy McLaughlin is already in the general election, having won 29% of the primary vote.

Legislature:
Democratic state Rep. Ross Hunter recently declined to challenge Republican Rep. Dave Reichert for his Congressional seat, but may still challenge too-conservative-for-his-district state Sen. Luke Esser next year. Hunter was gracious enough to promptly reply to an email I sent asking about his intentions, and will decide whether to run for reelection to his House district or challenge Esser's Senate seat following the legislature's short session later this year.

Onward to the general:
Yesterday's primary was a mixed bag for us of fair-mindedness. On one hand, Bob Ferguson more than likely will hold on to his scant margin over Carolyn Edmonds and Reagan Dunn won easily in comparison in the other King County Council primary. Ron Sims underperformed in his primary, giving those of us who want his worthless leadership out some good news to chew on for a few days. Unfortunately, Robert Rosencrantz was unable to hold onto his lead and was overtaken by Dwight Pelz in the 8th Seattle City Council position race. Rosencrantz ran a creative and spirited campaign, but ultimately his refreshing independent-mindedness and libertarian-leaning fiscal platform proved too good for Seattle voters. Darlene Madenwald was never really in the race in the 2nd position primary, with Richard Conlin and Paige Miller easily advancing. In that race, Conlin is easily the preferable choice, thanks to his ability to question city leadership on issues rather than always going for the highest-priced option like Miller. In the 8th position race, neither McIver or Pelz are adequate choices for anybody not on the left side. As an added bonus, John Creighton made a superb showing for Port Commissioner, trouncing liberal incumbent Lawrence Molloy, while pragmatic incumbent Pat Davis easily topped Jack Jolley in the other race.