Published: Friday, September 30, 2005
Lynnwood / Mountlake Terrace

Race results: Bye Carolyn, hello Bob 

Edmonds opts to concede race 

By Brooke Fisher 

Enterprise editor

What turned into a week-long marathon between two Metro King County Council members to represent District 1 has finally concluded after Carolyn Edmonds conceded to Bob Ferguson.

Edmonds fell behind on Monday, Sept. 26, after new absentee tabulations indicated Ferguson led by a wide margin. Results had bounced back and forth between the two contenders since last week's primary election. 

Had Edmonds not conceded, the race would have been finalized today, Sept. 30, which is election certification day.

On Tuesday evening, Ferguson led by more than 1,000 votes, with 52 percent of the vote. Edmonds had 48 percent of the vote.

"Carolyn called to concede," Ferguson said on Monday evening. "There are only 1,400 ballots left."

Ferguson, 40, said he was confident all week long that he would take the lead, due to his grassroots doorbelling campaign. Ferguson is accustomed to close races after unseating 20-year incumbent and Council chair Cynthia Sullivan by about 480 votes two years ago. 

Nonetheless, he said the week was nerve-wracking and it was unfortunate that two Democrats had to run against one another.

Ferguson currently serves District 2 and has served on the County Council for two years. A Seattle resident, he practiced law before running for office.

"Carolyn has done a good job representing District 1," Ferguson said. "I hope after the wounds of the campaign have time to heal, I can turn to her for advice."

Edmonds, 51, who currently serves District 1 was disappointed she had fallen behind in the race, especially after she had taken the initial lead on primary election night.

"It is always disappointing to be turned out of office," Edmonds said. "But I am proud of the work I have done as a Council member and previously as a legislator; I have served the people well."

Edmonds, a 20-year Shoreline resident, has served on the County Council for four years after being elected to the state House from the 32nd District in 1998, where she served for three years.

Before voters approved downsizing the County Council from 13 to 9 members, District 1 included Lake City, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell. The redistricting process added a portion of Woodinville and Seattle neighborhoods such as Northgate, Wedgewood, Victory Heights, Licton Springs, Maple Leaf and Haller Lake.

Ferguson will face Republican Steve Pyeatt in the November general election.

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