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Greg Nickels and Jan Drago Exit Graciously

Friends of Seattle's picture

Greg Nickels conceded defeat in a gracious speech and press conference (KING5 video) this morning. He was funny, light-hearted, and self-deprecating, but he also was very serious---and correct---when he described his long list of accomplishments. We disagreed with Mayor Nickels at times and endorsed Mike McGinn for mayor, but we praise Mayor Nickels for his many accomplishments.

Good luck in the future, Greg Nickels, and thank you for your service to Seattle.

There was another gracious exit this morning. In an email, Jan Drago---the 16-year city councilmember and fifth-place finisher in the mayoral election---thanked her supporters. [Full text of the email after the jump.]

Dear Supporter,

Now that most of the votes are counted in Seattle’s 2009 Primary Election, I want to congratulate the leading candidates for mayor and thank the many people who supported me during my campaign.

As I write this it’s still unclear which of the top three candidates -- Joe Mallahan, Mike McGinn and Mayor Greg Nickels -- will advance to the November General Election. I salute the winners -- all of the candidates, in fact -- and wish the two finalists well in November.

I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all of the people who contributed money, time or moral support to Team Drago, and to the thousands who cast their vote for me. I am very proud of the campaign we conducted with your help, particularly the comprehensive “Blueprint for Seattle’s Future” that I hope will be of assistance to Seattle’s next mayor. My wish is that Seattle becomes a safer, more dynamic and more inclusive city, and I truly believe the Blueprint can help point the way.

Lastly I want to thank all the people of Seattle. It has been my great honor to serve you on the City Council for the past 16 years. I will continue working hard for you in my remaining time on the Council, and I expect to continue to be involved.

I’ve loved this city since I first arrived here nearly 30 years ago, and I look forward to finding new ways to keep making a contribution to Seattle’s civic life.

I’ve begun down another path to health and fitness. I promised my friends that I would run with them next year in Seattle’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. I registered last night and now I am on my way to buy new running shoes.

Thank you,

Jan