Pollet, White get dual endorsement in 46th LD House race

SEATTLE -

The 46th Legislative District Democrats met Thursday to officially endorse candidates for local and state races. Most of these were uncontested, but a vote was required to choose Rep. Jim McDermott over Donovan Rivers in the 7th Congressional District, and to endorse Rep. Jim McIntire for state treasurer over Dr. Chang Mook Sohn.

When it came down to the contested state House race in the 46th District between Scott White and Gerry Pollet, things became a little more complicated.

A movement to suspend the rules and allow for a double endorsement was shot down only one vote short  of a necessary two thirds majority, leaving the body to choose between Pollet, White or "no endorsement". White spoke both on his own behalf and for no endorsement, saying for the latter could be a protest vote for a dual endorsement.

After neither candidate received the necessary two thirds vote on the first ballot (Pollet received 57, White 49 and no endorsement 10), Pollet  successfully moved that the rules be suspended to allow a dual endorsement which passed unanimously. Pollet and a few of his supporters had initially opposed suspension of the rules to try to expose what he said was a broken agreement by White about the way Pollet's nomination would be treated. White, on the other hand, believes that Pollet broke the faith.

But when all is said and done, the night will show that both candidates are endorsed, and all the procedures will be left for the memories of the 116 voters on site.