What will Jay do?
We suspect that question has been on the minds of many islanders this week with the news that Gary Locke (citing “family reasons,” etc.) will not seek a third term as Washington governor.
The interest of Inslee, Bainbridge Island’s hometown congressman, in Olympia’s top post has been well documented in the regional press since last year; he did in fact run for the governorship back in 1996, before returning to the other Washington from this state’s 1st District. So we put the question to the Inslee camp, and received this statement from the congressman:
“First, I want to thank Gov. Locke for his many years of public service and for his selflessness in making this difficult decision early.
“I will be spending the next couple of weeks talking with my family, my supporters, and people across Washington state before making the decision to run for governor. This is not a time for timidity; the next governor must demonstrate the willingness to lead boldly on critical issues that will produce real change to get our state back on track.
“I am strongly considering taking on this challenge.”
There you have it: a definite maybe.
We raise the question because islanders take a proprietary interest in the congressman, who spends most weekends running around the district and is so ubiquitous that he’s usually referred to simply as “Jay.” He has taken local issues to the national level, showing energetic leadership on efforts to turn the old Wyckoff site into a national park, and the establishment of a Japanese-American internment memorial there. His gingerly opposition to the conquest of Iraq – he was featured speaker at an anti-war rally in the island’s town square back in January – earned him loyalty from an energized constituency that these days has precious few friends in power. Party-wise, he took what had been a swing district and closed the gate on the GOP.
Not a bad run for “our” man in D.C.
Over dogs and brews at a Mariners game a few weeks back, conversation with a player in local Democratic
circles turned to Inslee’s future. Why, this editor wondered, would anyone give up a safe seat in Congress to plunge into the morass of fiscal, business and transportation woes
facing the home state? Who’d want the headaches?
Our bleacher-mate reminded us that while the mantle of
congressionalism looks formidable from the outside, it often reads better than it lives. Whereas the Senate conducts its affairs by rules that ensure participation and clout by those in the minority party, the House is often more of a spoils system – those on the short end of the party nose-count can find themselves marginalized and frustrated in committees and debate.
So why not look at the governorship? Properly wielded and with a few breaks, that office affords real opportunity to make a difference. Locke may have missed some chances in recent years, his bland leadership allowing anti-tax charlatan Tim Eyman to become the state’s agenda-setter by default. Locke also fell out of favor with environmentalists and teachers; only this year was he finally able to grasp some initiative and steer a long-overdue gasoline tax through the legislature.
As a potential successor, Inslee clearly believes he’s up to the state’s many challenges.
On the other hand, the Republican majority in the U.S. House isn’t necessarily forever. Should the Democrats regain control, a multi-term congressman like Inslee could gain enough seniority to be in a position of real influence.
What do islanders think “our” congressman should do?
We’re asking, and so is Jay.
