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A picture-perfect backdrop of the setting sun, warmth and a view of the Sound, and supporters greeted King County council member Bob Ferguson at his fundraiser on the back patio of the historic Laurence Colman Estate just south of the Fauntleroy Ferry hosted by residents David and Maryanne Tagney-Jones on June 21.

Ferguson, a Democrat, is running against Republican candidate Reagan Dunn, also on the King County Council, for Attorney General. That seat is being vacated by Rob McKenna, serving his second term as Washington's 17th Attorney General, who announced his candidacy for governor.

West Seattle resident and King County Executive Dow Constantine threw the fundraiser. Also a West Seattleite, King County council member Joe McDermott appeared to show his support. Also there were Burien resident Joe Fitzgibbon, our Washington State Representative in the 34th District, who said a few words, Tim Nuse, the 34th District Democrat Chair, David Meinert, co-owner of Crocodile club, Capitol Hill Block Party band showcase, and owner of The 5 Point Café and Big Mario's Pizza, and Allan and Eleanor Munro of North Admiral.

Allan's father, Ed Munro is a household word in these parts. He was a Washington State Legislator, Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee in the House, a King County Commissioner, and a King County Councilman from the Burien, White Center, Des Moines area. Ed Munro Seahurst Park, 13059 16th Ave SW, was named after him.

Bob Ferguson shares hie thoughts with the West Seattle Herald:

Ferguson, Maple Leaf resident, told the West Seattle Herald, "Given the economy we have right now, folks are really struggling. The attorney general and that entire office can make a tremendous difference in the lives of Washingtonians. My speech will be about issues like consumer protection. When you are looking out for consumers from fraud and scams, the attorney general can make a huge difference if he or she is willing to devote the resources to really re-double our efforts on consumer protection. It's fundamental to our office.

"My emphasis is on environmental issues. As a county council member I have been working with Dow on really trying to improve our open spaces, parks, and strongly backed Maury Island (Marine Park). Dow of course was a leader but I worked with him. Reagan Dunn opposed that vote.

"Folks are already on the edge, a paycheck or two away from homelessness or a loss of a job. Folks are at that tipping point where if anything further happens they've got real issues. And so having an attorney general looking out for consumers at this critical time I think is really important."

Joe Fitzgibbon weighs in:

"I've known Bob for a long time and seen him fight for people who need help," Fitzgibbon told the West Seattle Herald. "He's got a track record for fighting for consumer protection and public safety. I think having our attorney general (Rob McKenna) sue to overturn federal health care reform when he claims his office doesn't have enough staffers to prosecute Medicaid fraud when it's costing the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, I have a problem with that."

Attorney Sandy Widlan:

Sandy Widlan, a West Seattle supporter said she opposed Reagan Dunn's candidacy and that is what brought her to the fundraiser. Her law practice practice is devoted primarily to representing clients who have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

"I think Dunn has carried a silver spoon in his mouth for a long time and when you are in that position it makes it difficult for you to relate to the common person," said Widlan. When we're talking about justice and representing the people of the state you need someone who is of the people and that's who I'm hoping Bob is."

Dow Constantine:

Constantine welcomed all present to the fundraiser, including his parents John and Lois. He thanked David and Maryann Tagny-Jones for supporting their work with environmental protection and community activism. He acknowledged his former successor on the County Council, Joe McDermott, former state senator Seth Armstrong, Shoreline City Council candidate Janet Way, Port Commission candidate Dean Willard, and Tim Nuse.

Said Constantine in his speech, "Bob Ferguson has worked very hard on the County Council while leading efforts in law and justice, environmental issues, to help preserve (...) Maury Island. Bob stepped up and helped create the King County Parks Levy that now is insuring the great future for that park system.

"As we push forward trying to expand access to transit to support our economic recovery to insure that everyone in our society has a way to get to work, school, to get their kids to daycare to participate in the prosperity that we're trying to create here Bob has been here every step of the way."