TODAY

This figures to be interesting—Mayor Mike McGinn and members of the City Council are jointly hosting a happy hour fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the state House and Senate Democratic Campaign Committees. I wonder who signed the paperwork to reserve the room? (Pyramid Communications, 1932 1st Ave, Suite 507, 6 to 7:30 p.m., suggested donation $100 to each committee, RSVP to Mina Mercer at 206-381-1220)

State Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders will be debating his challenger Charlie Wiggins in a candidate forum in Shoreline. The roster is not firmed up yet on other candidates in attendance, but expect at least representatives of the Murray and Rossi campaigns. Worth showing up just to see if you can spot both of Sanders's girlfriends. (basement of Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th Street, 7 to 9 p.m., free)

WEDNESDAY

You're welcome to attend a meet-and-greet with Seattle Municipal Court challenger Karen Donohue. Don't let her low-key demeanor fool you—Donohue has impressive ideas for reforming the court. (Newmark Condo Building, 1415 2nd Avenue, 6 to 8 p.m., donations welcome, RSVP to 206-227-8249)

In an increasingly rare spectacle, Rep. Adam Smith and challenger Dick Muri, the two candidates for the 9th Congressional District, will actually face off in an open debate. The race is now sort of in play, but Smith remains favored in the solidly Democratic 9th. (Federal Way High School, 7 to 8:30 p.m., free)