The Stranger Goes Negative (again): "A Heavey Hit"

Eli Sanders (The Stranger):

Accusations of political carpetbagging are as common as elections, but it's rare that a candidate gets called a carpetbagger for simply moving from one neighborhood to another within the same city. Welcome to the contentious race to be the next state representative from West Seattle's 34th District, in which candidate Mike Heavey is now being called a carpetbagger for moving from Madison Valley to West Seattle just before his current run for the state house. MORE...

Howie P.S.: After poo-pooing this attack, Sanders then proceeds to air it all out pretty widely, complete with Heavey's response and a response from Marcee Stone, who says she's "not concerned." Then the tone changes. Sanders quotes "Heavey's other major challenger Joe Fitzgibbon" (is Marcee Stone just chopped liver?) who Sanders allows "to twist the knife." At this point the ongoing Stranger Mancrush for Joe Fitgibbon becomes even more obvious as Sanders quotes him at length on this "issue." A Heavey hit, wrapped inside a campaign update, complete with a comparison of the candidates' voting records. In a few hours we may get an answer the question: Will it work (again)?

(UPDATED with video) WA Primary Election: "In the 34th District, a lively race divides the party"

UPDATE: "U.S. Rep. McDermott says "Most important election" of his lifetime," video (03:31).

West Seattle Blog video of Congressmember Jim McDermott visiting the 34th District Democrats and telling them this year's election may be the most important one in his lifetime.

Vashon Maury Island Beachcomber:

At issue is the fact that the 34th District Democrats — a politically influential organization in what is largely considered a single-party stronghold — changed its rules recently in order to ensure it could make sole endorsements.

In the past, several Democratic candidates would sometimes win the coveted local party endorsement. But at a time when a new primary system is said to have weakened political parties, the 34th District — by a vote of its membership — recently decided to issue only sole endorsements.

And earlier this year, it threw its collective voice behind Stone, a 57-year-old community organizer who has been a stalwart in the local Democratic party and who has made a name for herself in campaign finance reform circles.

“She’s been a volunteer and leader in the party for many years,” said Tim Nuse, who chairs the 34th District Democrats. Noting her upbringing in White Center and her years of political activism in West Seattle, he added, “She has a breadth of knowledge and experience throughout the district.”

But Ivan Weiss, an Islander and the former chair of the 34th District Democrats, supports Fitzgibbon, a 23-year-old former aide to Sharon Nelson and a young man he calls a “legislative prodigy.” He’s also harshly and openly critical of the local party’s decision to endorse Stone.
(SNIP)
Heavey, 30, whose father, by the same name, is a well-known judge and former state senator, sounds a slightly more conservative note. Heavey, an aide to King Councilwoman Jan Drago, calls for “performance-based government” and zero-base budgeting — a system of governance that requires every line item to be reviewed rather than built on existing budgets.

More taxes, he said, are not the answer, in large part because voters won’t tolerate them. “The message from the voters (during this election) will be clear — that we need to do more with less,” said Heavey, who was endorsed last week by The Seattle Times. MORE...

Howie P.S.: Publicola covers the money side of this race here and here. The West Seattle Blog has interviews with Marcee Stone, Joe Fitzgibbon, Mike Heavey and Mac McElroy. It should be noted that McElroy is not a member of any "party"---but he's in the picture anyway.

Why I will always love Paris (2010 Version, with video and Fitzgibbon Alert)

John Aravosis (AMERICAblog) with videos:

One of the neat things about being Paris is walking. I have to admit that I was never much of a walker until I got my puppy earlier this year. And once I dropped 7 pounds as a result of our twice a day romps around the neighborhood, little Sasha had me hooked on the value of a good stroll around the block.

But walking in Paris is something entirely different than walking in Washington, DC. To wit, my walk home last night from the Marais, an old neighborhood in the center of Paris. It was around 10pm and I was about to hit the metro, but figured, why am I heading home? I had nothing to do, but still, it's early and it's Paris. So I walked. MORE...

Howie P.S.: This made me feel like being an expat all over again, just like I did in 1974. What a perfect impression of Paris Aravosis has delivered. Reader Advisory: You won't believe this but there is an ad for Joe Fitzgibbon on the bottom of this post! I must admit, that guy is hip.

The Stranger/Slog REALLY, REALLY Likes Joe Fitzgibbon

SLOG:

JOE FITZGIBBON JOE FITZGIBBON JOE FITZGIBBON: Tonight presents another opportunity to toast the dreamy 34th District challenger (he's even hotter with whiskey breath). Go see him, maybe even listen to what he's saying, but definitely see him. (Moe Bar, 925 E Pike Street, (Thursday) 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., 21+)

Friday:

Spend a quiet evening at home recovering from this, IF YOU CAN:

And here's The Stranger's wonkier version:

Two words about this election: Joe Fitzgibbon.

Joe Fitzgibbon is running for 34th District Representative. So if you live in his West Seattle district, vote for him. If you don't live in his district, move there, vote for him, and join the Stranger Election Control Board (SECB) in stalking him.

Swoon.

AND their MOST wonkier version:

State Representative, Position 2

Joe Fitzgibbon

There is no hotter race in Seattle this summer than the race to be the next state representative from West Seattle, and there is no hotter candidate in that race than Joe Fitzgibbon. That's right, we're not ashamed to say it. Because it is, inarguably, a TRUE FACT. Just look at his action shots. (What's the difference between acne and a Catholic priest? Acne comes on a boy's face after he turns 12.)

MORE...

Howie P.S.: I'm voting for Marcee Stone. Check out her endorsements on the "About Marcee" button. My pal Kirk Prindle likes Mike Heavey (cool website). Go figure. If Joe wins, The Stranger/SLOG gets another notch on their political gunbelt. Oh, and PubliCola endorsed Joe, 2.

3 Dems, 1 Seat in West Seattle: "The Race For District 34" (audio)

KUOW with audio:

Three candidates are vying for the 34th District State House seat, which includes West Seattle, White Center and Burien. We'll meet the candidates.

Guest(s)

Marcee Stone is a legal secretary and campaign finance activist.

Joe Fitzgibbon is chair of the Burien Planning Commission.

Mike Heavey is an aide to King County Councilmember Jan Drago.