Greg Smith, the green developer who seriously explored running against Mayor Greg Nickels this year, has decided against making the challenge. But he says he will keep working to see that there is a good challenger and a good debate in the fall election, when Nickels will be seeking his third term.

Smith said his decision was based on an "ethical need" to tend to his business at a time when "things are bad and getting worse," and he has obligations to his investor partners. Smith's company, Urban Visions, develops and sells major projects in downtown Seattle. He lives in the handsomely renovated old Cobb Building downtown, a project by Unico.

The developer, an erstwhile ally of Mayor Nickels, grew estranged over differences about how to develop properties around the stadiums and the south end of downtown. He says he still believes "we need a great candidate" to challenge Nickels and will be meeting with former City Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck "and other good candidates" to help in the coming campaign. Smith admitted that his own political chances were somewhat harmed by his being from downtown, not the neighborhoods, and being a developer, albeit one specializing in energy-efficient green buildings.

Smith, whose great grandfather was a mayor of Seattle in the 1870s, has long nursed desires to be mayor someday. He hasn't closed the door for future races, saying his decision to pass on the race this year meant "not this time."

Meanwhile, Steinbrueck continues to be intrigued about running, as does City Councilmember Nick Licata. Another Councilmember, Tim Burgess, has closed the door but not locked it to a draft. Mike McGinn, a Sierra Club member and organizer of the Great Cities initiative, is said to be interested. The race is shaping up much later than usual, but with Nickels facing low approval ratings, it is likely that a candidate with a good name who runs a moderately financed but smart campaign could still win.