Former Seattle mayor Greg Nickels to run for Secretary of State

Former Seattle mayor and King County council member Greg Nickels, a Democrat, will run for Secretary of State.  Nickels entry ends weeks of speculation and resets the fields in the race to replace retiring incumbent Sam Reed.

In a press release from the Nickels campaign, it state he will make election transparency, campaign finance disclosure and the integrity of the initiative process the focus of his campaign and platform if elected.  He points to recent U.S. Supreme Court and Appeals Court decisions and the recent influx of big money initiative campaigns as critical issues for the next Secretary of State.

“I am passionate about our democracy, but we can’t take it for granted. The rules of politics continue to change in favor wealthy special interests— at our expense,” said Nickels.  “The Citizens United ruling allows for unregulated campaign contributions. The 9^th Circuit recently overturned our state prohibitions on late, unlimited spending. Over the past few years individuals and corporations have dumped millions to buy laws in our initiative campaigns.”

During his 14 years as a King County council member, Nickels sponsored the original King County Video Voters guide and helped lead efforts in King County to modernize and improve ballot security.

Greg Nickels, his wife Sharon and their two dogs live in West Seattle.  They are the parents of two grown children.

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.