This just in: Howard Weiner, who’d been running for the original open seat, but ditched the public financing program and said—in the wake of Erik Sten’s resignation—that he’d decide which seat he was after by the March 11 deadline, has now dropped out.

But, he’s throwing his weight and volunteer support behind Sten’s chief of staff, Jim Middaugh. Middaugh entered the race for Sten’s seat on Monday, and says he’s put 2,000 public financing forms out into his network. He’s also launched a website so people can connect with him.

One note: Both Middaugh’s website, and Howard, below, say that Middaugh is the only candidate for Sten’s seat seeking public financing. That’s not true. Nick Popenuk switched from the mayor’s race to Sten’s seat, and says he fully intends to qualify for public financing. And Ed Garren, formerly the chair of the Hayden Island Neighborhood Association, is also seeking public financing, according to city records.

From Howard:

Good Morning Folks, I want to share with you my announcement to drop out of the running for a position on our city council as of today. Each of you know me and the work I have been doing in the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood for close to 25 years on our many social issues and building community. My reason for running for office was born out of my concern for leadership in the areas that Commissioner Sten has championed and that I have played a supporting role in.

I have now met a candidate that not only is qualified but already in a position to continue leading the conversation on issues relating to homelessness and affordable housing with the renewed energy that will be needed in the years to come.

I wholeheartedly support Jim Middaugh Commissioner Stens chief of staff in his bid for a seat on our city council and will campaign on his behalf from this point on as I believe he is the best candidate to fill this crucial role.

Jim is the only candidate for Commissioner Stens seat seeking public financing and I will be gathering signatures to help him qualify by the end of this month and work on his campaign in a volunteer capacity.
Howard Weiner