Earlier this week the Seattle Times previewed this year's race for Snohomish County Executive. In summary, incumbent Aaron Reardon has to be seen as the frontrunner going into the campaign season.
The article notes the stunningly large fundraising advantage Reardon has to date. Current PDC filings show him having raised over $206,000 and having spent $50,000; meanwhile challenger Rick Bart has raised around $15,000 and spent about $13,500. That's not a good start.
To put those numbers in perspective, Dave Earling (my dad) raised a bit over $250,000 to Reardon's $200,000 and change in the 2003 open race to replace term-limited Bob Drewel.
Bart says now, "'[Reardon] has got like 20 times my money, but I'm not scared,' Bart said. 'I can beat him with $1,000.'"
It gives me no joy to say this because I like Rick Bart and he's a popular sheriff, but no, that won't work at all. Especially when Reardon's PDC reports show he has already lined up support from many of the same development and business community interests that are normally the key funders of Republican races in the County.
Not good if you're a Bart backer.
Posted by Eric Earling at January 05, 2007 07:41 AM | Email ThisIt wasn't until the 14th paragraph that we were given a clue as to the political affiliations of the subjects. Granted, each paragraph is but a mere sentence, but it would seem the very first rule of reporting is that readers should not have to hunt for the pertinent facts... unless of course your point is to obscure those facts.
Oh.
Yeah.
We need public financing of election campaigns now to buy back our election process.
Posted by: John Lynes on January 5, 2007 01:26 PMAnd Reardon is no slouch. But people would benefit a more even money playing field.
This is one race where a level playing field will help yield a really beneficial, hard fought, real race.
Posted by: thor on January 5, 2007 03:45 PMPublic financing of elections, where taxpayers pay for their overlords to pretend to run for office and ask for the taxpayers' vote - how cynical can you get?, has already been tested and found wanting in Portland, Oregon. Check out the news reports of what a fiasco that has proven to be. The supporters of taxpayer-funded city elections had to twist themselves into pretzels to defend it! It's hilarious, but sad.
I'm glad I don't live there.
Posted by: mac on January 5, 2007 08:14 PMBut, the kid, methinks, has fallen far enough from the tree to have some sense.
Disclaimer: I have been appointed by Aaron to some volunteer committees, nothing heavy duty.
That said, Rick "the Dick" Bart is a hotheaded misandrist. When approached politely about his positions on some issues, he has shot back highly pejorative emails, and the man has no temperament for public office, either Executive or particularly Sheriff.
The local (Herald) press is aware of his lack of political skills, and his tendency to insult and enflame the electorate. If only they took the same effort as the Times to cover this race.
I am not a Reardon lover, but the guy does listen, makes wise appointments, understands tax burdens, and will not budget beyond the pain threshold.
I suspect he will walk all over Bart, and hopefully so.
And lest you think I don't like Eric's old man, I did vote for him.
The Geez
Also, it seems a couple commenters have Reardon pegged well. He is conservative as far as local Democrats go, much to the chagrin of his own party's base.
Posted by: Eric Earling on January 6, 2007 10:01 AMEric,
Get your dad in this race immediately. Even if he jumps in now, he'll still beat Bart in the primary and give Reardon a good run. Bart is a pathetic candidate. He'd be lucky to hit 38%.
Eric,
Get your dad in this race immediately. Even if he jumps in now, he'll still beat Bart in the primary and give Reardon a good run. Bart is a pathetic candidate. He'd be lucky to hit 38%.