So. What did you think about Hillary Clinton last night? Most opinion writers in the media say the former first lady's speech at the Democratic National Convention was one of her finest moments. As Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Joel Connelly put it, the speech "erased the bad blood of a lengthy nomination battle ... and raised the party's blood for the fall campaign." Eli Sanders at the Stranger said she was "magnanimous," also calling it her "best, most selfless moment." I'm not sure I buy it. But I'll leave it up to you. Discuss. ...
Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire says her good relationship with Barack and Michelle Obama could be good for the future of Washington state — if she's re-elected. Gregoire better hope the "Obama coattail-ride" everyone's talking about will work in November, because Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi is hot on her heels, according to the latest ballot count from last week's top-two primary. ...
It's been a tough few years for City Council member Richard McIver. In 2004, he was forced to pay a $200 ethics fine for accepting a $6 lunch from a former governor and lobbyist. This year, he has to pay a $1,000 fine for another ethics violation. Last month, he had emergency colon surgery. Today, The Seattle Times reported that McIver paid the $1,000 fine with public money. Busted. As anyone, including McIver, could have imagined, massive criticism ensued. Things just can't get any worse for him. ...
No such thing as a free lunch: In an effort to curb King County's growing budget deficit, Executive Ron Sims is proposing to increase bus fares by 50 by 2010. ...
No problem: Despite facing several federal corruption charges, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, easily defeated his opponent in yesterday's Alaska primary election. After winning, he reportedly told reporters a victory in the November election would be a "piece of cake." ...
Nothing to celebrate: Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson says some people are "worn out and frustrated" with the WASL test, adding that the state education system is in a "transition period." ...
Ready to celebrate: As buzz about Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., reaches an all-time high today with acceptance his vice presidential nomination from the Democratic party, Eric Earling at Sound Politics breaks down some of the Republican VP possibilities, and examines each candidate's impact on the grassroots. ...
Ready to explode: And finally, I thought the world had ended when I saw advertisements for John McCain on local liberal blog behemoth HorsesAss.org. It turns out they were just Google ads. Still, it's significant. Republicans are making a concerted effort to expand their cross-party appeal — this ad targets disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters. By the way, look to the man to McCain's right. It's "independent" Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman. Can you say "VP test-run?"
