Who might succeed McDermott in Seattle's congressional seat

State Rep. Brady Walkinshaw, D-Seattle , 31, announced for McDermott’s seat before McDermott announced that he was vacating it. Walkinshaw fumbled when it came to articulating why McDermott needed to be replaced, but sang McD’s praises on Monday, saying: “He is leaving a proud legacy that I hope to build upon. He has been a consistent voice for working families and labor, a voice for equitable access to health care and a voice for people who don’t yet have a seat at the table.”



Walkinshaw is a former program manager with the Gates Foundation. He’s gay and recently married, and is stressing his Cuban ancestry. He came out of the box with a strong list of supporters. So far, however, Walkinshaw is speaking in mushy consultant-crafted language. less State Rep. Brady Walkinshaw, D-Seattle , 31, announced for McDermott’s seat before McDermott announced that he was vacating it. Walkinshaw fumbled when it came to articulating why McDermott needed to ... more Photo: Washington State Legislature Photo: Washington State Legislature Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Who might succeed McDermott in Seattle's congressional seat 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

A long lineup of Seattle liberals sent up trial balloons and pawed the ground a couple decades back, when the Clinton administration appeared likely to name Congressman Jim McDermott as America's AIDS czar.

McDermott wised up and didn't take the AIDS post: It was really a bid to get him out of Congress, where he was talking too bluntly about lack of federal AIDS funding. But the buildup of prospective candidates hinted at what was likely to happen when McDermott decided to retire.

The longtime heir-apparent to Washington's 7th Congressional District seat waited long enough and went elsewhere. Ed Murray was elected Mayor of Seattle, a job with executive responsibilities and challenges that cannot (as Congress is wont to do) be punted. In Murray's absence, here are five faces to watch in what should be a year-long contest. With Washington's top-two primary system, the two November finalists might both be Democrats.