Cann, Pollet prepare for general-election battle in 46th Legislative District after Pollet’s 60-40 lead in primary

By Evan Smith

Incumbent 46th District Democratic State Rep. Gerry Pollet and Democratic challenger Sylvester Cann are preparing for a November general-election runoff after the two were the only candidates in the primary for the position that Pollet holds by appointment.

Pollet won appointment to the position last year after David Frockt, who had won election to the seat in 2010, moved to the Senate to replace the late Scott White.

Final certified primary results show Pollet with nearly 60 percent of the vote to 40 percent for Cann.

This has become a big money contest. Cann reports raising $94,018 and spending $58,787, with independent expenditures of $28,119 supporting him and $28,119 opposing him. Pollet has raised $72,206 and spent $51,498, with independent expenditures of $685 supporting him and none opposing him.

Cann said Tuesday that he is counting on the larger turnout in the November election to help him.

“It's never been our goal to win a primary election in early August,” he said. “We started this campaign to win the general election in November and bring passion for change, a voice for innovation, and fresh ideas to our State Legislature. That is the foundation we have been building since January with over 17,000 doors knocked on and nearly $100,000 raised. 

“There hasn't been a single day of this campaign that I thought this would be an easy race. We have always known our strategy extends to Nov. 6 when nearly 90,000 people will cast a ballot. 

“Because of lower turnout, primary elections are skewed—and a longtime party activist like my opponent will have a real advantage. 

“A General Election electorate is larger, more diverse, and more concerned about the issues. We saw the positive trend in the primary -- the more votes cast, the better we do. 

"There are young voters and newly registered voters in November that will be more favorable to our campaign, if we have the resources to communicate with them.”

Pollet said, "I am honored to have earned the support of nearly 60 percent of the voters of the 46th District in the primary.

“I look forward to continuing to represent the District in Olympia working to improve our public schools, increase access to higher education and to protect our environment. 

"The voters of the 46th District deserve strong, experienced representation to improve our public schools. It is critical that we move forward with funding for early learning and full day kindergarten; lower class sizes; and, four years of math, science and English for our high school students.”

Pollet noted that he is one of only two Seattle area legislators who is an active public school parent and volunteer. He also teaches at the University of Washington School of Public Health and serves on the Education Appropriations and Higher Education Committees.

He said that primary results reflect his ties to Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, as well as many years volunteering for schools and neighborhoods in North Seattle. He added that he has been working on Bothell Way safety and congestion issues; and, to protect Lake Washington and children's health from dioxin contamination found near Log Boom Park.

He said that he has worked with the legislators from the 32nd District who represented Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, which are now part of the 46th District, noting that Democratic State Reps. Ruth Kagi and Cindy Ryu and Sen. Maralyn Chase of the 32nd District have endorsed him, as have 46th District retiring Rep. Phyllis Kenney and Sen. Frockt, County Councilman Bob Ferguson and the mayors of Lake Forest Park, Mary Jane Goss, and Kenmore, David Baker.

He said that he final vote tally came after nearly $100,000 was spent by his opponent and out-of-district special interests, who paid for expensive mailings on behalf of his opponent.

"I will continue to work hard through the general election, he said. “Residents should look for me at their door to discuss their priorities for our state and give me feedback, or feel free to call or email me at any time."

 Lake Forest Park and Kenmore have been added to the northeast Seattle part of the District.