Will Sims seek a fourth term? Some hope not

If Ron Sims runs for a fourth term as King County executive, it will be against the advice of State Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz, who has joined other former Sims political allies in pushing for him to step aside after next year.

Pelz confirmed he and Sims met recently and discussed Sims' 2009 re-election plans. While Pelz declined to discuss details of that conversation, other sources say Pelz has urged Sims to move on after more than a decade at the helm of the state's largest county.

King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, a Seattle Democrat, is already considering a challenge to Sims, arguing the longtime executive has grown bored with the day-to-day management of the county, and shows more interest in national issues.

The emerging tussle over Sims' re-election plans could prove moot since he is being considered for a possible job in the Obama administration. A state official confirmed Tuesday that Sims is being vetted by the FBI for a possible federal post.

But for now, Sims, who declined to comment for this story, is preparing to run for an unprecedented fourth term.

Raising money to run

In June, he held a major fundraiser to launch his campaign. He has already raised more than $200,000.

Although the position of King County executive will become officially nonpartisan in the next election because of a voter-approved initiative, the Democratic Party's favor will undoubtedly remain crucial in the race.

It is not clear whether Pelz's views as state party chairman will have any real impact on Sims' decision to run again — or on his ultimate support among rank-and-file Democratic activists. (Pelz is a former King County Councilmember who worked for many years with both Phillips and Sims.)

Susan Sheary, chairwoman of the King County Democrats, said she is "very supportive" of Sims and unaware of any widespread opposition among party activists to his re-election.

Head in the clouds?

Still, some former Sims allies have grown uncomfortable with the idea of a fourth term. Critics have pointed to an ongoing budget crisis and management problems with the county jail and animal shelters as evidence of Sims' shortcomings.

A recent profile in the Seattle Weekly quoted some of Sims' former allies making that argument, and illustrated Sims' mind-set with a drawing of his head in the clouds. And longtime political commentator David Brewster wrote at Crosscut.com that Sims has appeared "increasingly isolated politically with his eye on global problems."

Tim Hatley, a former Sims policy adviser who ran his campaign for governor in 2004, said he was surprised to see Sims preparing for a fourth term. Hatley said Sims told supporters in 2005 that his third term as executive would be his last.

Hatley, now a lobbyist, said a federal appointment is something Sims has "been thinking about for a long time," adding: "I don't think he would be being vetted if he wasn't being proactive and applying" for jobs.

David Moseley, chief of the state ferry system, said he was interviewed recently by an FBI agent looking into Sims' background, a necessary precursor to a federal appointment.

"They must be going back a long way," Moseley said in an e-mail Tuesday, noting that he hired Sims 25 years ago when he was director of Seattle's Youth Services department.

Moseley said he was not told what position Sims is being considered for, but speculation in local political circles has centered on a transportation or environmental policy job.

Locke being vetted, too

Other sources, who requested anonymity, have reported similar FBI inquiries about former Gov. Gary Locke, who may be under consideration for an international trade-related position.

Carolyn Duncan, Sims' spokeswoman, downplayed the talk of a federal appointment, saying Sims wants to remain county executive.

"He loves this job," said Duncan, adding that FBI inquiries do not mean Sims is poised to leave. "There are a lot of people being checked out" for possible Obama-administration positions, she said.

But even some one-time Sims advisers think it might be best if he found a new job.

Rollin Fatland, who served as deputy county executive under Republican Tim Hill, and worked on Sims' 2004 gubernatorial campaign, as well as his 2005 re-election, said both Sims and King County would be "well-served" by giving new leadership a chance.

"I think Ron is a good person and a bright and talented politician. But third terms are difficult. Fourth terms are all but impossible," Fatland said.

Those comments fit conveniently with the argument being advanced by Phillips, who has been itching to run for county executive after 16 years on the council.

"Ron has moved on, he just hasn't moved out," said Phillips, who plans to make an official decision in January on whether to run.

Part of the "big picture"

But Sims' defenders say he has plenty of zeal for his job — and that arguments to the contrary are largely motivated by others' political ambitions.

"Anyone who has spent time around Ron, watching him as he does his job, knows his enthusiasm for policy," said Sandeep Kaushik, a former Sims spokesman and political consultant.

To the extent that Sims focuses on "big picture" national issues, it is because they have a major impact on the Puget Sound region, too, Kaushik said, pointing to Sims' interest in global warming and his innovative program to lower employer health-care costs.

"Thinking about the mid- to the long term is something we need more of, frankly, from our elected leaders," Kaushik said.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628 or jbrunner@seattletimes.com