Sims Braces for Challenge

It was hugs all around this morning at the Westin as Ron Sims kicked off his campaign for a fourth term as King County Executive. It's early-- the election isn't until 2009-- but organizers reported close to 1,500 people in attendance, all paying $75 for breakfast. And Sims, who characteristically gave more sermon than speech, isn't wasting any time. Unlike past elections where he's easily fended off long-shot bids from Republican candidates, Sims next year will likely face a challenge from county council member Larry Phillips, who was noticeably not in attendance this morning. (Phillips, a Democrat, wouldn't be stepping on anybody's toes thanks to the new top-two system that takes the party out of the primary. He's been raising his profile lately criticizing the county's budget woes and calling for an audit of Metro.)

Never one to understate, Sims told the faithful that he wants King County to be the best place in the world. "We aren't going to settle for second," he proclaimed. "We're going to be sublimely first." Sims, who was appointed to the post after Gary Locke became governor in 1996, and was elected in 1997, 2001 and 2005, outlined his laundry list of accomplishments including: greening up the Metro fleet, drawing up county-wide flood protection and emergency plans, concentrating growth in cities, and creating a 175-mile regional trail system.

If reelected, Sims has grand plans like "attacking poverty" and healing racial divides. "We're going to move this government to make a difference for every single citizen in King County," he said. "I want to remove the vocabulary words we use to identify people by race. I'm tired of it." Sims also promised county employees would "get their lives back." "The No. 1 health care issue in America is one's home life and the question of whether you live to work or work to live. We're going to get you home," Sims said, gesturing to tables full of county workers in the crowded ballroom.

The ask was clear: four more years to accomplish "magic" in Seattle. "We are so close. I can taste it," Sims said. "It just takes one more victory."

Philips, meanwhile, was hovering in the background-- even if he wasn't in the room. "We have to show Ron and anyone who DARES run against Ron that we are behind him," said former city council member Tina Podlowski as she implored the crowd to fill the envelopes at their tables with donations. "Wave those white envelopes in the air," she said. "...A surrender Larry flag."