Lowry Serves Up Feast Of Politics Shrimp Feed Gives Governor Chance To Promote Democratic Agenda

Gov. Mike Lowry held his 14th annual shrimp feed here Sunday, and looked every inch the candidate.

But Lowry said he hasn’t decided whether he’ll run again, and hinted he will defer his decision until after the 1996 legislative session.

Lowry has also said he wants to confer with his wife, Mary, and daughter, Diane, before making up his mind.

“I’d like him to run again,” Mary said Sunday. “I think what he’s doing is really important. But now isn’t the time for that decision.”

She stood just to the side with Diane as the governor mounted a platform decorated with “Mike Lowry for Governor” posters and a banner blaring “Lowry Country.”

It was a turn-around appearance for the governor, who during the 1995 Legislature battled accusations of sexual harassment by a former press aide and saw his policies on nearly every issue come under attack.

The state’s top Democrat was in fighting form Sunday as he delivered an arm-waving, barn-burning speech, calling on Democrats to stick together to fight the “right wing.”

Sunday’s crowd of 877 for the $30-per-ticket event was up from last year’s, according to Lowry’s spokesman, Jordan Dey. “It was a great turnout. The governor is alive and well.”

The crowd, gathered at the Seattle mansion of liberal philanthropist Kay Bullitt, cheered as Lowry promised to veto any legislation that curtails abortion rights or civil rights:

“We are under huge attack right now in this country by those who can see all the way into the 16th century.

“We have to stand strong, and work together. We have to commit ourselves to be together on the issues of quality of life and opportunity. We have not yet even begun to fight.”

Lowry recently agreed to pay a former aide, Susanne Albright, $97,500 in an out-of-court settlement in the wake of sexual harassment allegations. He admitted no wrong-doing and said he made the payment simply to put the issue behind him and avoid a lengthy court battle.

Unproven allegations from an aide pale in comparison to the real and present threat staged by the GOP, Lowry supporters said.

But even some Democratic party officials - who had earlier said they were concerned Lowry couldn’t win if he were to run again - seemed encouraged.

“He’s been under so much fire. This (event) gives him a boost,” said Paul Berendt, head of the state Democratic party. “There was a lot of apprehension. Some people said only about 200 people would show up. But this is a wonderful outpouring of love and support.”

Berendt said he’ll support Lowry if the governor can prove he can win.

“What I want is a winning campaign and a governor who’s going to fight back in adversity. Things like this help.”

Several supporters appeared annoyed at the amount of attention paid to the sexual harassment allegations. “What people do in their private lives is their own business,” said Bill First of Spokane. “He’s just a huggy-type guy. That’s his style.”

Elinor Barrus of Auburn declared she’ll work hard for Lowry if he runs. “I trust Mike Lowry.”

But some Democrats interviewed last week seemed delighted to have excuses not to go to the event.

“Too busy,” said Lois Clement, chairwoman of the state organization of party chairs. “We have all these local races going on.”

Said Democratic consultant Cathy Allen: “I’m soooo glad I have to be in Eastern Washington this weekend. And I never want to be in Eastern Washington.”

Polls in July showed the governor’s approval rating across the state in the basement. Statewide, 76 percent of women surveyed turned thumbs down on Lowry. So did 58 percent of Seattle voters. That shows Lowry’s base is crumbling, said pollster Stuart Elway.

Meanwhile Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood’s fall from grace has rekindled public attention to sexual harassment in politics.

The embattled Republican will leavethe Senate on Oct. 1 after the Senate Ethics Committee unanimously recommended Packwood’s expulsion, in part because of complaints from 18 women that Packwood sexually harassed them.

None of that helps Lowry, some said. “The issue is back on the front page, even if he isn’t,” Elway said.

The state women’s political caucus has already voted not to support Lowry if he runs again in 1996 and urged him not to run.

So has the Seattle chapter of the National Organization for Women.

But Jeff Smith, former head of the state Democratic party, said it’s way too early to count Lowry out. “If he runs, he’ll get the nomination, and if he gets the nomination, he’ll win. There isn’t a Republican candidate in the race who can beat him.”

Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn is the only Democratic incumbent so far to say she would consider running against Lowry. Others, such as Attorney General Christine Gregoire, have said they will mull the race only if Lowry bows out, as some Democratic officials fervently hope.

Republicans say Lowry is their opponent of choice.

“Republicans desperately want Mike Lowry to run,” said Brett Bader, a GOP consultant in Bellevue. “Run Mike Run. You’ll see that bumper sticker on more Republicans’ cars than Democrats’.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo