Where are all the Venus Velázquez supporters now?

The first-time council candidate, arrested October 17 on suspicion of drunk driving, roared out of the primary 15 points ahead of her opponent, attorney Bruce Harrell. Before the primary, she racked up an impressive list of endorsements, including four Democratic legislative district groups, two city council members, and numerous community, environmental, and political leaders.

But after her arrest last week on her way home from the BalMar Lounge—a cozy two-level bar in Ballard with weathered brick walls and sleek black and red banquettes—Velázquez has been standing almost completely alone. If this had happened to Sally Clark, you can bet she'd hold a press conference surrounded by Tina Podlodowski, Ed Murray, and Tom Rasmussen; if it'd been Nick Licata, his supporters in the low-income-housing and social-justice communities would rally to his defense. But so far, Velázquez has been on her own, giving the impression that her support base is unenthusiastic or thin.

Velázquez's campaign consultant, Lisa MacLean, says that may change; depending on what Velázquez decides, something "may" happen in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the campaign sent me several e-mails from ardent supporters, who praised Velázquez's "candor" and "humanity" and encouraged her to "hold your head high and walk on through it." Council members Richard Conlin and Peter Steinbrueck have both issued statements of support, and one supporter, Minority Executive Directors Coalition head Dorry Elias-Garcia, says that "not even for one second did I think about not supporting her."

Velázquez hasn't endeared herself to skeptical voters in the days since her arrest. Last week, she issued a confusing statement, apologizing ("I am more sorry about this incident than I can express") yet still hedging about her guilt ("I do not believe I was impaired") and asking for sympathy ("last night was a very stressful time for me"). The same day she issued her statement, Velázquez pleaded "not guilty" to the DUI.

When I talked to Velázquez on October 20, she was straightforward about her screwup but seemed perplexed at the level of outrage. "I've put out a statement saying I am deeply sorry. I've admitted that I made a mistake. I have said that I'm to blame. I admitted drinking. I admitted that I drove my car. I'm not sure what else I can do," an exasperated Velázquez said.

Forward Seattle, the pro-business PAC that dropped more than $40,000 on polling and a mailer promoting Velázquez just days before she was arrested, did not return numerous calls to find out whether they would continue to support the troubled candidate. A poll the group did over the weekend reportedly showed "movement" in Harrell's direction; the rumor early this week was that the group would withhold an additional $60,000 they had planned to spend promoting Velázquez. recommended