State Sen. Murray intends to run for Seattle mayor
»Play Video
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Sen. Ed Murray, the newly anointed Democratic leader in the state Senate, said Wednesday he intends to run for Seattle mayor next year.
Murray is establishing an exploratory committee and will work in the coming months to build the foundation for a campaign. Because of rules for state lawmakers, Murray soon will be unable to raise money until the Legislature completes next year's session.
"I want to put down my marker," Murray said. "I want to start having conversations with people."
Murray said he is focused on his duties in the state Senate, where Democrats have chosen him to be their new leader. He acknowledged that he may not be able to launch his mayor candidacy if the coming session goes too long, perhaps into the summer months.
It is expected to be a crowded field in the mayor's race. Seattle City Councilman Tim Burgess has already entered the campaign.
Murray wouldn't talk specifically about his views on current Mayor Mike McGinn. He said they've disagreed on methods for building a consensus on topics like the viaduct replacement, and Murray said his time in the state Legislature has shown how he can build support for contentious issues.
Murray has long been the lead advocate in the state Legislature on gay rights issues, and he was one of the chief proponents of the same-sex marriage law this past year.
This coming session presents a new set of challenges for Murray. He recently was chosen to lead the Democratic caucus, but two senators in his party have indicated they may work with Republicans to choose a different majority leader.
Because of that turmoil in the chamber, Murray fears there could be gridlock and delays. Meanwhile, other candidates in the mayoral race will be out campaigning and raising money before Murray completes his work in Olympia.
"I will be at a disadvantage," Murray said. "Anyone else in this race will have raised a lot more money."
Murray is establishing an exploratory committee and will work in the coming months to build the foundation for a campaign. Because of rules for state lawmakers, Murray soon will be unable to raise money until the Legislature completes next year's session.
"I want to put down my marker," Murray said. "I want to start having conversations with people."
Murray said he is focused on his duties in the state Senate, where Democrats have chosen him to be their new leader. He acknowledged that he may not be able to launch his mayor candidacy if the coming session goes too long, perhaps into the summer months.
It is expected to be a crowded field in the mayor's race. Seattle City Councilman Tim Burgess has already entered the campaign.
Murray wouldn't talk specifically about his views on current Mayor Mike McGinn. He said they've disagreed on methods for building a consensus on topics like the viaduct replacement, and Murray said his time in the state Legislature has shown how he can build support for contentious issues.
Murray has long been the lead advocate in the state Legislature on gay rights issues, and he was one of the chief proponents of the same-sex marriage law this past year.
This coming session presents a new set of challenges for Murray. He recently was chosen to lead the Democratic caucus, but two senators in his party have indicated they may work with Republicans to choose a different majority leader.
Because of that turmoil in the chamber, Murray fears there could be gridlock and delays. Meanwhile, other candidates in the mayoral race will be out campaigning and raising money before Murray completes his work in Olympia.
"I will be at a disadvantage," Murray said. "Anyone else in this race will have raised a lot more money."
I thought Nickels was as bad as it could get. Then the good residents of this city gave us McSchwinn. I'm thinking a brain damaged feces throwing monkey taught to sign, "the south will rise again," and having an appetite for malt liquor and unfiltered Camels could do a better job.
he wouldn't be my first choice (not that I can think of a first choice at the moment...), but I'd vote for just about anyone right now to get McGinn out.
It's a dunk.Â
Â
Seattle is a happy gay place. He should only need to spend about $12 on his campaign if that.
At first I thought they were talking about Patty Murray! Â What a misleading headline.Â
I hope this man does run.  I believe McGinn came in with his own personal agenda (storm wall) and mislead the voting public, and how he wanted to "manage" Seattle.  Seattle really needs a strong leader who can make Seattle even more appealing to the rest of the World. I look forward to hearing his views on Seattle's future.Â
Jeez I almost spit my beer out!
No need to worry northwest sheeple Seattle will elect the biggest clown out of the candidates and put him or her in charge of the cotton candy and popcorn machines.
oh thank you, now he can destroy Seattle like he has the state.
 @Common Sense Yeah, he single handedly destroyed the state.  Of all your posts, this may be the most moronic, and that's saying something.  Good God.  As always, Commons Sense for you is neither common, nor sensical. Â
Well, he'll fit right in with San Francisco North...if McSchwin proposes illegal handouts for his special interest segment in an attempt to buy votes, what will Murray, as a member of that special interest, try to pass...either in public, or behind closed doors.
 @Sydthepiper Take another Xanax and maybe you'll start making sense.Â
 @MPS...I'll pass on the pills, but I'll smoke another bowl....helps me think better.
Had me going for a moment. I thought they were referring to Patty! Come on headline if I ever saw one...
me too-had hope we would get rid of her
McGinn is weird for sure i hope he is not re-elected
There is NO WAY I support McSchwinn for a second term. Burgess is in the pocket of Diaz and the SPOG, so I think Murray would have my support right now.
McGinn has turned out to be sort of a bum. He deserves to be challenged.Â
Great! that means he will no longer be in Olympia making laws that effect the state. Now if we can just get the rest of the career state politicians in Olympia to do the same.
Where is my barf bag?Â
While it is always possible for things to get worse, I suspect that Mr. Murray won't be any worse than the present mayor of Seattle.
 @Furd Didn't we say the same thing about Greg Nickels a while back?
 @Necrobio Not me, I knew McFuzzface was far worse than Nickels long before the election.
i plan to run as well...i'll be running gandham style...!
 @bartle_doo Uhmmm before you plan to run, I'd advise you to learn how to spell the word first. Just sayin'
Hey, if this guy will end the war on cars as well as stop stealing money for dumb bike lanes as well as stop trying to violate state gun law and wasting taxpayer money in futile court fights trying to institute a city gun ban, then bring him on. Otherwise we don't need more of the same.
I want some of what the economist is smoking/drinking.
No democrat in this country would agree with all that.
Â
Democrat = More of the same.
Â
Last republican Governor - 1984
Last republican mayor of Seattle - 1968
Â
Unlike 95% of the posters here, I was born here 55 years ago. You have no clue what this once glorious State was. You have no idea that homelessness was unheard of. Pot holes actually got fixed, and ya didn't go to jail for a bag of weed. Parking was free. A trip up the space needle was a buck 50.
Â
Then one party took hold, and now we have this to show for it. I've lived the before and after and MUCH prefer the before.
Â
@bobalouie"Last republican mayor of Seattle - 1968"
Â
Good Lord. It's been that long? I change my underwear more often. :)
Â
Folks here must take great pride in knowing the last R mayor was from the 20th century.
 @NorthwestEconomist You really think he going to do that. It will be business as usual in Seattle, no cars, just bikes, Birkenstock's with socks, and crammed in a tiny 50 square foot apartment with ten other people.