Democrats decry Shultz idea to run as independent in 2020

  • The Associated Press
  • Friday, January 25, 2019 10:11am
  • News

The Associated Press

SEATTLE — The possibility that former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz might launch an independent run for the presidency is not playing well with Democrats in his home state.

“I have two words for Howard Schultz on a potential run for president as an independent: Just. Don’t,” said Tina Podlodowski, chairwoman of the Washington Democratic Party, in a statement, the Seattle Times reported.

“Too much is at stake to make this about the ambitions of any one person,” she said. “The 2020 race for president has to be about relegating Donald Trump to the dustbin of history, and reclaiming the Oval Office for our people and our future.”

Democrats fear an independent candidacy might split the anti-Trump vote in 2020 and secure Trump’s re-election. Podlodowski said Schultz has claimed to be a lifelong Democrat and should run as one if he’s interested in an office.

“You can even start at home, with the Washington State Democratic Party,” she said.

Schultz has not cultivated substantial political connections in his home state. He’s also remembered by basketball fans as the former owner of the Seattle SuperSonics.

After failing to persuade legislators to upgrade facilities with public money, Schultz and his co-owners sold the team to a group that moved the team in 2008 to Oklahoma City.

Schultz for years has hinted that he might want to enter politics as a centrist problem solver.

He’s promoting a new book, “From the Ground UP: A Journey to Reimagine the Promise of America.” It will be released Monday.

More in News

Budget goals discussed at Port Angeles council meeting

Ideas sorted into short- and long-term goals

Chimacum drainage district is reactivated

Next steps are to appoint an interim board, adopt assessment system

A helicopter joins the firefighting effort Tuesday afternoon at the Belgian Fire near Brinnon. (Brinnon Fire Department)
Belgian fire under control

Firefighters remained on scene Wednesday

Electronics recycling event set for Saturday

The Port Angeles Noon Rotary will host an electronics… Continue reading

Lane closure set Wednesday for art installation

The southbound lane of Race Street in Port Angeles… Continue reading

Beachgoers look for a spot on the sand on Sunday afternoon at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. Mount Rainier looms in the distance. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Summer sand

Beachgoers look for a spot on the sand on Sunday afternoon at… Continue reading

First Fed accused in Ponzi scheme

Resignations came amid $107M lawsuit

Ballots for Aug. 5 primary election to be mailed today

Hospital commission, Port Angeles, Port Townsend city council races to be determined

Port Angeles to host forum on Rayonier cleanup

Special meeting scheduled for Tuesday

Drought conditions may require trucks to bring water to West End

Clallam Bay/Seiku and Island View water systems are under stage… Continue reading

Clallam County Democrats to host candidate forums

The Clallam County Democrats will host a series of… Continue reading