Seven individuals from all walks of life have one thing in common, to be the next mayor of Seattle. Political experience is negligible or non-existent; financial resources are slim. Can passion and determination be enough to overcome the raw power of money and establishment? Out of a pack of underdog candidates, will one emerge against all odds as the next mayor of Seattle in 2009? Up close interviews reveal their naiveté, hopes and dreams, and fears and concerns as the race progresses. As the election draws near and the stakes rise, viewers will be captivated by the bike-riding idealist and environmentalist Mike McGinn, who is consistently out-funded and out-spent by heavy-weight contenders. Commentaries from political pundits weigh the struggles and consequences throughout.—Atlas Productions
A Headhunter, a Corporate Vice President, an Activist, a Professional Athlete, a Bike-Riding Environmentalist, an 82 year-old Grandmother, and a Councilwoman all have one thing in common. Against all odds, this is the story of seven aspiring individuals from various walks of life and their endeavor to win the mayoral seat in the city affectionately known as the Emerald City: Seattle, Washington.
This documentary focuses on the novice mayoral candidates as interviews reveal their naiveté, hopes and dreams, and fears and concerns as the race progresses. An up close view of campaign activities reveals the grassroots vs. grass-top teams in action as they battle on the ground and over the airwaves. As the election draws near and the stakes rise, viewers will be captivated by the bike-riding idealist and environmentalist Mike McGinn, who is consistently out-funded and out-spent by heavy-weight contenders such as the incumbent mayor Greg Nickels and T-Mobile Vice President Joe Mallahan. The underdog McGinn's humble yet poignant remark: "Campaigns aren't about the candidates; they are about the voters", and "Heroes of the campaigns are the volunteers" underscore the essence of his surprise victory. McGinn's army of young and tireless volunteers nicknamed Jobless Skoolkids will touch the hearts of the viewers with their passion and determination to support the candidate and the message they believe in.
On the other side of the spectrum is the struggle of a passionate, fringe candidate: "I come here every day to see if there are any checks, and there's always none."
After the primary election, additional interviews allow the outcasts to share their intimate thoughts on the experience of running for the city's top job. The story moves on to follow the developments as the two finalists march towards the finish line, depicting the complex, multi-facetted nature of the political game in modern America, as evidenced by the governor and the city establishment attempting to influence the race. Commentaries from political pundits weigh the struggles and consequences throughout.
