UPDATE: Just got hold of a note from Donaldson confirming that he’s forming an exploratory committee to “publically [sic] announce my interest in running for Mayor and do my due diligence, polling and seeing what kind of support I do have out there.”

So reports Publicola, which notes the following evidence:

A) Blair Butterworth, a local consultant, says Donaldson is setting up an exploratory committee today to “test the waters.” (Before you get too excited, remember the last time that happened?)

B) Butterworth appears to have displaced Christian Sinderman, Donaldson’s original consultant. Sinderman also works for Nickels, so he obviously couldn’t work for Donaldson too if Donaldson ran for mayor.

Two cautionary notes. First, the last person to form an exploratory committee was Tim Burgess—who bowed out before the week was through upon discovering that no one would give him money. Second, Donaldson actually dumped Sinderman several months ago—since November, he’s had consultant McKenna Hartman on the payroll, and before that, it was Laura Ruderman. That makes him look fickle, not focused.

14 replies on “James Donaldson (Probably) Running for Mayor”

  2. Forget votes.
    Next mayor of Seattle wins election by winning a one-on-one basketball game.
    I’ll take the tall ex-NBAer over the fat guy incumbent.

  3. Who?

    Seriously, there are 400 people on the Facebook group for Peter Steinbreuck for mayor already, and some on the one for Dan Savage.

    James Donaldson may be able to afford astroturf, but that doesn’t translate into real votes.

  4. Um, hello. Ruderman and Hartman do fundraising. Sinderman and Butterworth do media. Two different type of consultants, ECB.

    Second, Ruderman’s mother kind of, um, got cancer. Hello!

    Third, Sinderman conflicted himself out due to doing work for Nickels.

    Next time, work on the facts.

  5. I remember having to remind Laura to ask everyone for money – and she promptly asked me for a check!

    Bummer about her mom tho.

  6. huh? james didn’t dump me (at least he didn’t tell me in all the meetings we had this winter…) mckenna is a fundraiser and is continuing to work with james moving forward. i bowed out on friday due to the aforementioned conflicts.

    james is a great guy and a bona fide candidate for whatever office he seeks. he is charismatic, smart and has a worthwhile story to tell.

    i just cannot help him run for mayor, that’s all.

  10. does this guy really think he can win — I dont think he has established
    himself…. in the grassroots… only if he can beat Greg in the Neighborhoods…. This guy is corrupt…. I have seen him in action in other
    civic organization…. He has alot of baggage that hasnt come out and will.

    be real carefull if what I have heard.

  12. Oh…please Valerie … what NBA player hasn’t left a trail of used women, broken hearts and if your lucky used condoms? Come on.

  14. @1 & 2 & 3…. http://www.seattleweekly.com/2009-03-25/…
    There are now over 350 at team donaldson – james donaldson for mayor facebook page.
    His candidacy was announced at the end of March.
    If you would like more information – come to a meet and greet in Seattle.
    Volunteer for the campaign !! Unlike our current mayor, Mr. Donaldson will be accessible to the public.

    @9 No…he is running for mayor.

    @10 you really need to back up your statements. Want to give us some examples or maybe and article or blog that the public could read? Would really appreciate it.

    ECB – Move back to Houston.

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