rumor: Kshama Sawant might not run for re-election (Seattle: for rent, credit)

[wutitiz]

Amidst union anger, rumors swirl Kshama Sawant will retire?
She's up for re-election in 2019, as are most of the rest of the city council. There is a swirl of rumors that she won't run, even though Seattle political wonks seem to think she would win. Talk host Jason Rantz (770AM 6-9 AM) said that Sawant's office is normally very responsive to him, they are mum on this one.


I can't think why she wouldn't, as the city council pays decently ($117,000/yr) and gives an unusually hi-profile platform for a self-described 'Marxist.' There is a push around the country from socialist candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and her friend Sarah Smith running in the WA 9th CD (against Adam Smith). Why give up territory? Nonetheless, the rumors are rampant.

[CrazyDonkey]

Well, she's got plenty of money, so doesn't need the paycheck. She's finding herself much more frequently on the short-end of votes, plus probably sees much of her councilor duties as taking away from time she'd rather spend on the "national" front.

[musicfamly5]

I would think after the head tax fiasco she would want to lay low in politics for a while; take time off in the Seattle spotlight and look at advancing her career on the national level.

The problem with Kshama is that she was successful only when her goals/demands were met. She wanted $15 minimum wage and got it. She wanted a new mayor and got it. She plans her goals based on what is already in the works behind the scenes and takes credit (along with her rabid followers) for all the perceived success without wanting to answer the tough questions when they arise.

I think she's realized she has hit a protest wall in Seattle and now that people are protesting her and the actions (or lack of) of the Seattle city council during the last 4 years. The drama and chaos she created leading up to the head tax definitely didn't help her. So she's panicking and her base is probably trying to see how many people come out to support vs celebrate her potential "retirement". If the number look safe, she'll run. If not, she'll probably find a young person (Nikkita Oliver/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez type) to take her votes and political spot in seattle while she goes back East to do what she does best, possibly helping Bernie again or running in a different state/city in 2020.

[Flightoficarus87]

I think the head tax controversey may have hurt her public reputation here, and she may choose to move on to other opportunities. That, and/or she is getting fed up with being the sole supporting or dissenting vote on City Council decisions lately.

Without trying to spark an ideological debate here, I think she had more support among Seattle voters back when she was seen as working towards more progressive causes that did indeed happen (i.e - $15 Now, and helping a gay mayor get elected). I think her more recent actions are starting to be interpreted by more folks as either regressive (i.e - the head tax), or ineffective/unrealistic approaches towards Seattle's problems (i.e - calls for rent control over mixed approaches on housing). And the homelessness/opiod crisis continuing to worsen isn't doing any council member's reputations favors, including Sawant's.

In any case, we will see what she does. But I do think Seattleites are getting fed up with the current council, and we should expect to see some new faces step in come election time.

[Blindtom]

Put something in by mistake.

[dozener]

It's in Seattle's best interests if she doesn't run. She's been terrible

[pnwguy2]

Seattle needs a council that represents the city, pure and simple. I don't think she ever did. Yes, Seattle is a liberal city, but it also recognizes how important growth and commerce are. Put the two together and you have a winning strategy.

[homesinseattle]

She overplayed her hand of cards, that's for sure.

[bergun]

The question is for the Seattle voters... What will you do if she runs again?

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by bergun

The question is for the Seattle voters... What will you do if she runs again?

More a question of what voters in her district will do. Most Seattle voters won't have a say.