The Mayoralty That Never Was
A political hopeful reveals the crushing cost of running for office in 1891, claiming the 'bankers' and party bosses forced him out of the race.
I. M. Wolfe, whom the Democratic Party wanted nominated for mayor, says he withdrew from the race because he was too poor to fight the party bosses. He stated it would cost at least $1,000 to make the campaign, and he could not raise the money among his friends. John Collins had previously promised that railroad and electric light companies would put up $5,000 for a campaign fund, but when he could not secure the money, he dropped Wolfe for more 'likely material.' During a conference, the 'Seven Wise Men'—a powerful political faction—declared that if Wolfe or John Dunlap were nominated, they would throw their influence to the Republican candidate, Phelps.
“John Collins... dropped Wolfe and cast about for more likely material.”
The role of corporate influence and the high barrier to entry for political candidates remains a fundamental tension in Seattle's political history, echoing contemporary concerns about campaign finance and 'party machine' politics.
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