The M.L. King County Central Labor Council (MLKCLC) is currently conducting candidate interviews for the upcoming fall elections.  The CLC’s Committee On Political Education (COPE) is comprised of our Executive Board Members.

In terms of the endorsement process, the COPE reviews staff recommendations on candidate endorsements.  These recommendations are based upon input from affiliate representatives in attendance at the COPE candidate interviews and other information gathered by staff from affiliates, along with a general staff political assessment on the various races if applicable.
In the midst of many important contests this election season, the Seattle mayor’s race stands out as a hotly contested affair with several strong candidates in the mix.  In addition to the current incumbent, there is one former and two current Seattle City Council members, as well as a two-term State Senate incumbent.  Our affiliates have always played a major role in the election of the mayor of the biggest city in the state, so the ability of our excellent staff to schedule six of the candidates on May 30th presents an exciting opportunity for the affiliate base to weigh in. 
In anticipation of strong interest in this race we have secured a meeting hall at the Seattle Labor Temple for the day.  We have also expanded the interview sessions from the customary 30 to 45 minutes.  To insure that a broad range of issues will be addressed by the candidates, we are requesting that questions be submitted by the affiliates to MLKCLC prior to the interviews.  Questions submitted prior to the interview will be given priority. It is also recommended that affiliates work with their Trade Section representatives to streamline the questioning. In addition, and in an effort to facilitate full affiliate participation, observational seating for affiliate members will be provided at the interviews.  Our goal is to be efficient and respectful of everyone’s time in this process.
These revisions to the interview process for Seattle mayor candidates have been made in order to take advantage of the unique opportunity the dynamics of this race present to the affiliates.
In addition to the Seattle Mayor’s race the MLKCLC’s Committee On Political Education (COPE) are also considering candidates for endorsement in the following races:
• Seattle Public School (SPS) Board
• King County Executive
• Seattle Port Commission
• King County Council
• Bellevue City Council
The COPE endorsement interview committees will be considering other municipal races as requested.
In terms of resources, MLKCLC will prioritize races where the stakes are high and/or hotly contested.  We anticipate that the school board, Seattle Mayor, King County Council and potentially Bellevue City Council and Port of Seattle will be targeted.
MLKCLC made some endorsement decisions at our May 15th meeting, and expect more endorsements to come out of the June 20th meeting.  Our delegate body is the final decision making authority on endorsement representing the Council’s affiliates.  Endorsement requires a 2/3 majority of the delegate body.