Leaders abound

Yesterday, both the state Democratic and Republican parties elected new party leaders. The Democrats, expectedly, chose former King County Councilman Dwight Pelz over former state Rep. Laura Ruderman by a margin of 95-70. The Republicans, somewhat unexpectedly, jumped for national GOP Committeewoman Diane Tebelius over sitting Vice Chair Fredi Simpson.

The analysis:
Democrats -- I've made it no secret that I don't much like Pelz, as I find him too liberal and blustery. I think the Democratic Party made a poor decision here in passing over Ruderman, a suburban moderate liberal who would seemingly be more effective outside of urban areas. Ruderman was twice elected to the suburban 45th district before launching a losing bid for secretary of state in 2004. At the issue's core, the Democratic Party already dominates Seattle and they aren't going to lose that for the forseeable future. Therefore, Pelz doesn't make much sense to me. On the contrary, Democrats are on the rise in suburbs, and that was what Ruderman brought to the table more than anything else.

Republicans -- In contrast, I think the GOP choosing Tebelius was a good choice. She's more well-known and more experienced than the unknown Simpson, and, from what I know about Simpson, Tebelius is much more of a fighter. The modern lackadaisical GOP needs somebody to push them, and Tebelius shows that better. From what i've heard the last couple years from her, she's also a sharp woman, an immediate advantage over the gaffe-prone Chris Vance. Not that it was a Tebelius advantage, but the GOP was also smart to choose a woman for their top post in a state practically run by Democratic women. You can't keep writing off the so-called "soccer moms" and expect to win. Good show, Republicans.