Pope defeating write-in effort in Eastside race

Richard Pope, a perennial candidate and former Republican, was well on his way to winning the Democratic nomination to face Republican King County Councilmember Jane Hague in November.

Pope's dominating lead among early absentee voters was a blow to Democratic Party leaders, who supported write-in candidate Brad Larssen as the authentic Democratic candidate. Larssen ran a vigorous campaign but captured only a small fraction of Pope's vote total.

Before the polls had closed Tuesday, news reports surfaced that Hague had been charged with driving under the influence on Highway 520 on June 2. She has pleaded not guilty.

Pope, a Bellevue attorney, has lost 10 consecutive elections for offices ranging from district-court judge to state attorney general. He funded his modest $1,281 primary campaign with his own money in the form of loans.

Larssen, a Kirkland carpenter and longtime activist in Democratic and labor politics, entered the District 6 Eastside race as a write-in candidate after Pope, a former Republican precinct-committee officer, filed as the only Democrat.

In Seattle, County Councilmember Dow Constantine was winning easily in the District 8 Democratic race over Goodspaceguy Nelson, a perennial candidate. District 8 takes in West Seattle, White Center, Burien and Vashon Island.

Constantine will face Republican John Potter, a Boulevard Park rental-property owner, on Nov. 6.

Two members of the County Council, Seattle Democrats Larry Gossett and Larry Phillips, are running unopposed.

Keith Ervin: 206-464-2105 or kervin@seattletimes.com