I betcha that's a headline you haven't read too often since our beleaguered mayor's surprising victory a couple years back. Yet there he was in front of a packed room, announcing the outline of a public/private partnership that could bring NBA and NHL franchises to Seattle to play in a new $500 million arena, without relying on new taxes.

I've never seen such a big crowd at a City Hall press conference before. Nor have I been to a press conference so frequently punctuated by applause.

Like I said: A very good day for McGinn.

Whether McGinn will ultimately benefit politically, remains to be seen. This is one of the best arena/stadium deals any city has negotiated in quite some time, but it's got a lot of contingencies that must fall into place before the first ball drops through a hoop, not the least of which being, the private investors need to snare themselves a couple of teams. And even then, McGinn will be facing reelection long before the arena opens if ever.

Furthermore, our local media just doesn't like McGinn, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them deny his office any credit.

Still, if it happens, it happens on McGinn's watch, and that should be worth something with voters. Yup, it was a very good day for McGinn—a day to savor while it lasts.