McGavick set to run against Cantwell

Safeco executive Mike McGavick announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, making him the first Republican challenger to Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell.

McGavick said he wanted to change the political culture in Washington, D.C., which, he said, "is all about character assassination."

However, McGavick demurred when asked whether Cantwell was a particularly partisan figure who deserved to lose her seat.

"In the end, the voters will judge which of these candidates is more likely to help solve problems," he said. "I will have a demonstrated record of success people will find appealing."

Earlier this month, McGavick, 47, reported that he had raised $710,000 toward a 2006 Senate campaign.

McGavick had planned to leave Safeco Aug. 31 but agreed to stay until a successor was named. He will remain chairman at least through the end of the year.

His campaign advisers include radio-talk-show host John Carlson, who has backed an initiative to repeal the state's 9.5-cent-a-gallon gas tax increase, and Western Wireless Chief Executive John Stanton, a gas-tax supporter and one of the largest contributors to the effort to defeat the measure.

On Wednesday, McGavick refused to say whether he supports Initiative 912. "I will vote privately," he said. "I'm not going to get into taking sides on this issue."

His advisers also include the Rev. Joe Fuiten, an influential conservative religious leader.

Calling the growth in federal spending "disgusting," McGavick vowed not to raise taxes to balance the budget. Instead, he would cut government programs he did not specify. Although McGavick has a long history with politics — he served as chief of staff to former Sen. Slade Gorton — his record as a business executive will certainly be debated during the yearlong campaign.

The state Democratic Party has highlighted bonus money paid to McGavick in 2001, when he laid off 1,200 workers.

"Safeco was on the brink of failure. I was willing to make tough decisions, and we were able to save 10,000 jobs," McGavick said. "That's exactly the kind of decisiveness this country needs."

Unlike Cantwell, who refuses political-action-committee money, McGavick said he would accept all legal contributions to pay for a campaign expected to cost $10 million to $15 million.

Former television anchor Susan Hutchison said she will decide whether to join the Republican race within the next month.

"I'm still thinking about it," she said. "I've just had many people encourage me to run. I get calls almost daily."

In a statement, state Democratic Party Chairman Paul Berendt said McGavick was "part of the scandal-rocked GOP team," referring to investigations involving top White House aides and congressional leaders.

Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com