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Elections

Washington state: color me purple

Wed, Jan 13, noon

By Dick Morrill

There are a lot of swing districts, part red and part blue, and even in strongly Republican or Democratic regions there are pockets of dissent.

The new politics of austerity

Tue, Jan 12, 9:07 a.m.

By Ted Van Dyk

At federal, state, and local levels, 2010 will be a year of political dieting, forgoing some of the fattening programs of the recent past.

Year of the tax dragon

Mon, Jan 11, 2:01 a.m.

By Austin Jenkins

Gov. Gregoire and the Democratic legislature are finally forced to touch the political third rail of raising taxes.

Previewing the 'McGinnapalooza'

Fri, Jan 8, noon

By Travis Hay

The new mayor celebrates his inauguration, and his political ties to the music community, with a free concert Saturday at the Showbox. Our critic approves the lineup.

No fuss, no muss

Fri, Jan 8, 2 a.m.

By Joe Copeland

Mayor McGinn quickly picks his person for the key position of transportation director. Peter Hahn is a curious choice, but early reaction is polite to encouraging.

The Fat Lady often sings for historic stadiums

Thu, Jan 7, 2 a.m.

By Knute Berger

While Portland preservationists fight to save their historic Coliseum, another sports venue is destined for a cheesy end.

Memo to Mayor McGinn's staff

Tue, Jan 5, 10:21 p.m.

By Bob Royer and John Howell

At the start of a new administration, staffers should think about how to help their guy fill this eerily quiet place with life, accomplishment, meaning. Some advice from two who have been there, done that.

A New Year's poem

Fri, Jan 1, midnight

By Daniel Jack Chasan

Not all the past decade was a curse. A look ahead, this one in verse.

Best of 2009: What would Jane Jacobs do about the Viaduct?

Wed, Dec 30, 10:12 p.m.

By Knute Berger

The patron saint of livable, walkable cities is being invoked on both sides of the debate over Seattle's Viaduct solution. Would Jacobs be a tunnel supporter, or a surface option fan?

Republican hopes are rising for 2010

Wed, Dec 30, 10:25 a.m.

By Chris Vance

Democratic polling numbers are sinking, and GOP candidates are stirring. Key names will be Susan Hutchison (possible challenger to Sen. Murray), Jaime Herrara (for the open Brian Baird seat), and John Koster (challenger to Rep. Rick Larsen)

Best of 2009: How I learned to love the bag fee

Wed, Dec 30, 2 a.m.

By Douglas B. MacDonald

When you look into the oceans of problems plastic bags create, the case for Seattle's well-crafted grocery-bag fee becomes overwhelming. And the opponents' arguments are underwhelming.

Best of 2009: How Jan Drago dragooned a Viaduct solution

Sun, Dec 27, 9:29 a.m.

By C.R. Douglas

After 15 years on the City Council, Jan Drago is bringing home some big, complex transportation projects. Here's how she does it.

Best of 2009: Greg Nickels: giving toughness a bad name

Sun, Dec 27, 6 a.m.

By Ted Van Dyk

Real leaders are tough and use fear as a technique. The problem with Mayor Nickels is that he uses intimidation when it serves no purpose, and confuses disagreement with disloyalty. Here are some lessons from LBJ.

Mapping the coming year in politics

Wed, Dec 23, 2 a.m.

By Ted Van Dyk

Obama and Congressional Democrats are on thin ice, particularly if the economy doesn't rebound. Mayor McGinn will face some early key decisions that will indicate if he is reading the austerity signals well.