Ferguson's faux re-launch

Plus some interesting $$ in down-ballot races and a new boss at the Realtors

We never paid much mind to the word “exploratory” tacked onto Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s campaign for governor because it was plainly hogwash. The man had been actively running since May — and arguably since shortly after Election Day in 2016. He’s been raising money in impressive fashion and locking down key Democratic endorsements all summer.

And let’s face it, he was never going to return from his 39-county tour of the state and say anything resembling this: “In light of the lukewarm reception we received in Asotin County¹, we’ve decided to pass on this enterprise and spend next year hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.”

The “exploratory” tag was there so the Ferguson campaign could take it off, creating a milestone and an opportunity for our sisters and brothers in news to write about how well it’s going. Here’s the thing: It worked like cold beer on a hot day.

Ferguson’s Seattle stop on the campaign re-launch featured Gov. Jay Inslee, former Gov. Chris Gregoire, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and King County Executive Dow Constantine, a former gubernatorial hopeful who cannot have enjoyed that event. (Photo courtesy of the Ferguson campaign.)