Bloglander

David Condon, a longtime deputy chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, announced his candidacy to become Spokane's mayor today, saying he was a "collaborative leader" that would make the city "jobs-friendly."

“We have a great story to tell about Spokane to employers all across the country,” Condon said in a statement. “The mayor should be the chief ambassador to encourage companies to locate in Spokane and make sure the government is jobs-friendly from top to bottom.”

Condon is Mayor Mary Verner's first real contender. Condon said he plans to raise $425,000. To date, Verner has raised $35,000.