Santos' opponent, Independent John Stafford, is arguably the most interesting guy the Election Glee Club met during our endorsement interviews. He's a former jock/corporate consultant whose brainy mid-life crisis/journey landed him stints as a truck driver, waiter, sporting-goods sales clerk, substitute teacher, and, finally, anti-state-lottery crusader cum state legislative candidate (whew!). However, his lack of experience undercuts our confidence that his big ideas will get traction in Olympia.

Not to worry, though--the candidate we're endorsing, two-term Democrat Sharon Tomiko Santos, is pretty interesting herself. For example, she doesn't remember exactly how, or with whom, she lost her virginity back in '79.

More important, Santos has quickly emerged as a starting-team player in Olympia's Democratic Party. That's good news, because as a Seattleite from the key 37th District (Beacon Hill, Columbia City, Madrona, Rainier Beach, and Rainier Valley), Santos will shine a spotlight on the pressing economic concerns of that district's constituents. Last session, Santos led the fight and passed legislation that torpedoed an evil insurance-industry practice of setting premiums (or altogether dropping coverage) on low-income people based on credit ratings rather than relevant issues like driving records. For reasons like this, voters in South Seattle would be wise to send this politically savvy D (who leans decidedly left on social issues) back to the state house for her third stint. And the Glee Club loves her sophisticated look, in high school and today!