THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED.

WHEN WE INITIALLY POSTED AROUND 6:45, ONLY THE THE KCLC EXECUTIVE BOARD HAD RECOMMENDED PHILLIPS. AROUND 7:15, THE FULL BODY  WENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATION.

THE STORY NOW REFLECTS THAT.

King County Labor Council Gives Sole Endorsement Recommendation to 36th District Candidate Brett Phillips

Despite strong support from the maritime unions, the King County Labor Council isn't going to recommend Seattle Port Commissioner Gael Tarleton for the Washington State Labor Council endorsement in the crowded Democratic intramural to replace retiring lefty state Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-36, Ballard).

While the maritime trade councils made their push for Tarleton today, the Teamsters aren't fans, thanks to a compromise deal Tarleton orchestrated that didn't meet the Teamsters' test on better labor regulations for truckers. (UNITE HERE, which represents airport workers, isn't hot on Tarleton either.)[pullquote]"Brett's interview was one of the best interviews I ever sat in on" —KCLC leader Dave Freiboth.[/pullquote]

So, with the establishment politician off the table, the smart money was on Progressive Majority leader Noel Frame, the other well-connected progressive in the field. Frame, a ground-game candidate, was certainly banking on their endorsement.

But today's big winner is newcomer Brett Phillips, whose stump speech is a seamless blue/green pitch about green collar jobs. The KCLC recommended a sole endorsement of  Phillips early this evening on the recommendation from its executive board. Phillips, son of King County Council member Larry Phillips, coordinates sustainable development projects for Unico Properties.

"Brett's interview was one of the best interviews I ever sat in on," KCLC leader Dave Freiboth told Jolt. "And I've been doing this for 20 years. "He was prepared, bright, on message, and spoke to our issues."

Phillips is now up for a formal endorsement from the Washington State Labor Council in May.

The 36th District is taking up the race tonight, and will officially nominate one of the candidates.