Seattle Chamber Makes 2017 Election Endorsements

SEATTLE, WA - The Seattle Chamber of Commerce's political arm made its picks Tuesday for the 2017 election. The Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy (CASE) represents some of the biggest business interests in and outside the region, acting as an avatar for companies like Coca-Cola, CentruryLink, Russell Investments, and Premera Blue Cross. Here are CASE's 2017 picks:

• Seattle Mayor - Jenny Durkan (open race)
• King County Executive - Dow Constantine (incumbent)
• Seattle City Council Position 8 - Sara Nelson (open race)
• Seattle City Council Position 9 - Lorena González (incumbent)

In endorsing Durkan for mayor, CASE Executive Director Markham McIntyre said that the former U.S. Attorney has the "ability to make tough decisions."

Along with the heft of the endorsements, CASE also offers a considerable war chest to spend on electioneering this year. According to state records, CASE has raised about $114,000 so far in 2017. Donors to the group include Seattle businesses, but also statewide political groups with an interest in doing business in Seattle - like the Washington Restaurant Association.

In addition to the endorsements, CASE outlined its political priorities for the 2017 election. No. 1 on the list is traffic.

"CASE supports candidates who will prioritize reducing traffic congestion, improving transit, and helping move people and goods faster around the city," the organization said in a statement.

CASE is also prioritizing homelessness, and supports the recommendations to fix homelessness created by consultant Barbara Poppe. More nebulously, CASE said it supports, "striving to make Seattle one of the best cities in the nation to live, work, and play."

Image Patch.com file photo