So does seattle have any republican influence? (Bellevue, Bothell: appointed, neighborhood)

[jefftpr]

I was just curious about Republican Influence?

I'm relocating to Seattle and I'm very political. Without getting into a debate,
lol I was just curious about the conservative parts of town and how (if any) effect that has.

I know Seattle is very Liberal!

On trips in the past I have always loved the people of Seattle, and it seems
like no where else in this country are people so actively involved in what they believe in.
No matter what side their on lol.

Thanks

[svartkatt]

You can look at any election history and see a distinct difference between Seattle and some of the suburbs. Broadmoor is the only neighborhood in Seattle proper that consistently votes Republican. It is a private gated community and golf club surrounded by the 43rd Legislative District, the most liberal district in the state. If you are conservative, you will probably find more kindred spirits on the Eastside (i.e. east of Lake Washington) in cities like Bellevue. For example, the county Republican office is in Bellevue (not Seattle), and the Dems are headquartered in Seattle. Most Republican political events (campaign events, visiting speakers, etc) take place on the Eastside, and conservative candidates fare well in elections there. Generally they don't even run candidates for any elections specific to the 43rd.

[grastus]

Basically what svartkatt said. I don't think I've ever met more than a small handful of conservatives in Seattle proper, but on the eastside it seems like there's an even split between liberals and conservatives, and I'd like to note that the latter tend to be more economically-focused as opposed to religious NRA-types.

[JustCallMeTC]

I think you'll find in general, all the great cities in America are typically very liberal inside the city. Suburbs are another matter.

[Ira500]

In the last presidential election, I think Obama took about 80% of the votes within Seattle proper, so there are some Republicans. I don't think there's any neighborhood all Republican, but Broadmoor has a lot, as do neighboring Madison Park/Washington Park, and also the magnolia neighborhood.
It wasn't all that long ago that Seattle had Republican elected officials. Former Senator Slade Gorton hailed from Magnolia, and former Gov Dan Evans was from North Capitol Hill. The Seattle City council counted Paul Kraabel and Bruce Chapman as Republicans amongst them. Seattle had a fairly long history of having a sizable number of moderate/liberal Republicans, who now seem to be extinct.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Seattle had a fairly long history of having a sizable number of moderate/liberal Republicans, who now seem to be extinct.

Yes, my peers are all Liberals/Democrats and they just can't comprehend how I "dare" to be Conservative. I don't really have to say anything but "I lean more towards the conservative side" or something to that effect. I will get rabidly attacked (verbally, never physical) about how I am "closed-mind, ignorant, racist". I am not even allowed to explain anything, nor get an opportunity to say anything. I attended Seattle University, UW Bothell and BCC. The first two, I even had Political Science professors scoffing at me. I had one professor at Seattle U who hated Libertarians and Republicans to a point he proudly bragged that he had no friends "wrongfully" leaning that direction. I was always comfortable at BCC because no one CARED. I could talk about whatever at BCC and it was respected as an individual opinion.

If you were to ask me: It's very politically stagnant here (unless you happen to agree with the mass). If you read Seattle PI or the Seattle times, do check out the Sound-off sections, I always enjoy reading it and it's very reflective of Seattle. During elections, sometimes I feel almost as though it's a David-and-Goliath situation. I was very disappointed when Dino lost both times.

[Adrian71]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Yes, my peers are all Liberals/Democrats and they just can't comprehend how I "dare" to be Conservative. I don't really have to say anything but "I lean more towards the conservative side" or something to that effect. I will get rabidly attacked (verbally, never physical) about how I am "closed-mind, ignorant, racist". I am not even allowed to explain anything, nor get an opportunity to say anything.

And they're the ones who claim to be open-minded, tolerant, and liberal. As a libertarian, I am NOT looking forward to this aspect of Seattle when I move out there.

[Inkpoe]

I don't know if they still do, but the Libertarians would meet up every Wednesday (or the first Wednesday of the month) at the Azteca in Bellevue and converge, discuss topics, et c. So, hey they're there, just have to find them. I love my Libertarian friends!

[ptfcNassoc]

Just live where you want to live. Why does it matter? It's about how nice the people are in a neighborhood, not how they vote. At the end of the day you will still be you and others will still be themselves.

[Adrian71]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

I don't know if they still do, but the Libertarians would meet up every Wednesday (or the first Wednesday of the month) at the Azteca in Bellevue and converge, discuss topics, et c. So, hey they're there, just have to find them. I love my Libertarian friends!

Oh, that would be great! I'll keep my fingers crossed that they still meet up!