McDermott challenger pushing return of NBA basketball

By Evan Smith

Democrat Andrew Hughes, who is challenging Democratic Congressman Jim McDermott, is emphasizing bringing NBA basketball back to Seattle.

The 7th Congressional District, which McDermott has represented for 12 two-year terms, now includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds and Woodway, in addition to most of Seattle and Seattle’s southwest suburbs.

Hughes has sponsored an NBA finals viewing party at a bar in Seattle’s Sodo area near the site of a proposed new arena, directly following a rally to bring the NBA back to Seattle.

“It's incumbent upon our leaders at all levels to lend their voice and advocate for those in their communities,” he said recently. “As your Congressman, I will provide an unrelenting voice for the Sonics return and I will celebrate with all of you the day they come home.”

Hughes is one of six candidates – three Democrats, two Republicans and an independent -- challenging McDermott in the August primary, with the top two vote getters advancing to the general election.

Hughes has reported raising $162,847, compared to 170,145 for McDermott and $11,343 for Democrat Donovan Rivers, the only other candidate who has reported raising money.