This doesn't count as a Jolt. So: Some Afternoon Fizz.

A top-tier fundraiser and (thanks to his dad, former mayor Norm Rice) someone with a bit of name recognition, Seattle port administrator Mian Rice, announced today that he's dropping out of the crowded position five race in North Seattle.

Rice (third from the right, above) had raised the second most ($41,000) and had the most cash on hand ($26,000). He had an okay fundraising month in April, raising nearly $6,000.

However, his campaign was discombobulated; for the latest example, this afternoon at 1:03, his campaign sent out calls to supporters to help him lock down district endorsements—and then at 1:10, he sent out the white flag. More important, he didn't appear to have a good grasp on the issues, and he was a pretty bad speaker. The port isn't so popular these days either.

Rice's absence leaves activist Reverend Sandy Brown (the top fundraiser, though he only has $13,000 cash on hand) as the clear frontrunner in the remaining six-person field. There are a few other charismatic candidates in the race—former King County Superior Court judge Deborah Juarez and Low Income Housing Institute case worker Mercedes Elizalde were standouts at last month's candidate forum—in position to move into top tier status. (Elizalde and Juarez are pictured above, third and fourth from the left, respectively.)

Here's what I wrote about Rice after that same forum: "I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that supposed frontrunner (and another fundraising star) fifth district hopeful Mian Rice was woefully shy on specifics and relied on an elementary, robotic tactic of starting each answer by repeating the topic at hand. As in: 'Homelessness. Homelessness is a serious problem...'"

Here's Rice's statement:

Four months ago, I launched my campaign for the City Council seat now open in the newly formed District #5. 

For the past 60 days, I have had the opportunity to talk with over 2,000 residents living in district, and I have heard a wide range of concerns about the direction our city is heading. I have attended many forums covering broad issues from environmental and transportation concerns to education and housing—all of critical importance to the quality of life for my family, my neighbors and my city.

As a candidate, I have been blessed with broad support from people across this city willing to back my candidacy and I have had a committed and talented team guiding my campaign from the start. 

For all of those reasons, it is with mixed emotions that I am today announcing my withdrawal from the Seattle City Council race for the District 5 seat.

As my campaign began to take shape, a growing issue of deep concern has been rapidly spreading across our nation—and it is an issue that I cannot continue to stand by and ignore. There is a growing disparity around racial justice issues in our community and an ever-widening economic divide that only serves to make the problem worse. In the face of the tragic events we’ve witnessed in Ferguson, MO, and Baltimore, MD, I have come to realize that this is the issue I need to devote my time and attention to, because this is where my passion resides. 

As is true for so many of those individuals I connected with at the door of their home or their storefront, I too care deeply about the direction our city is heading. That is why I have decided to follow my heart and focus my energy and attention on doing all I can to ensure that we do not become another Ferguson or Baltimore.

I am just beginning to map out a plan moving forward, but as this effort takes shape, I will continue to keep my supporters and our broader community informed and engaged. In the meantime, I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who stood by my side from the beginning. It is my hope that together we can find a way to overcome racial injustice and economic disparity, and unite around an effort aimed at ensuring safety and shared prosperity for all who call Seattle home.

Sincerely,
Mian Rice