Local News

The Seattle Times political team explores national, state and local politics.

Good morning.

Raise your hand if you are not running for Seattle mayor in 2013: Here at the end of 2012, the race for Seattle mayor grows more crowded by the day. A supporter of former Seattle City Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck sent out a Facebook message Tuesday seeking endorsers to lend their names when he officially announces, and he is planning to do so today.  So far, wanna-be mayors include Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess, real estate broker Charlie Staadecker, state Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and neighborhood activist Kate Martin. PubliCola says Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell almost announced his own intention to run for the mayor the other day, perhaps inadvertently. (Scroll down to item No. 2).

Talking pot to the kids: Now that Washington and Colorado have legalized marijuana, parents of children of varying ages tell NPR Radio that the conversation about marijuana use is more complicated.  What do you tell the kids? What message do parents who smoke send to their children? Is it all more complicated, and, if so, how?

Armed sixth-grader, oh no: One has to wonder if the Newtown tragedy is prompting safer or irrational behavior? An 11-year-old student in Utah showed up at school Tuesday with a pistol he brought with him,  supposedly, at the urging of his parents who feared for his safety. The NRA, by the by, has been characteristically quiet since the horrific shootings in Connecticut. But the group said Tuesday it it will break its silence with a major news conference Friday in Washington, D.C. A press release said the group would offer meaningful contributions to help make sure Newtown never happens again.

We have a new Facebook page and lots of people are taking the time to like us. Thank you, but we still seek more friends and more likes, if you have a sec.