The Seattle Times' take:

At a posh north Capitol Hill house last week, a klatch of Seattle political insiders gathered for a fundraiser in support of Ed Murray’s mayoral campaign.

As the crowd sipped wine, former Gov. Chris Gregoire gave an impassioned speech praising Murray’s record as a state legislator, especially his successful campaign to legalize gay marriage. “It didn’t happen overnight, and it was a real strategy on how to get there,” said Gregoire, lauding Murray’s slow-and-steady approach on advancing gay rights. “That’s the kind of strategy and thoughtfulness he will bring to the mayoralship.” In a not-so-subtle dig at incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn, Gregoire added, “We need a leader who can bring us together, not divide us.”

The Stranger's take:

In a mansion on north Capitol Hill last week, former governor Chris Gregoire—who is famously bitter at Mayor McGinn for saying she couldn't be trusted—gave a keynote pep talk at a fundraiser for Ed Murray. As evidence that Murray can unite politicians, Gregoire claimed Murray could "not only stop the legislature from doing something stupid, he can get them to do the right thing." (Apparently, "the right thing" includes the Democratic caucus fracturing when Murray became the senate's party leader this year and Republicans took over.)

After Gregoire's speech, Murray took a jab at McGinn's advocacy for light rail and cycling by saying the city needs a plan that does not "divide us based on modes of transportation." Apparently Murray, who sponsored the biggest freeway packages in state history and was the primary backer of a downtown tunnel that will have zero transit, thinks light-rail lines and bike lanes are divisive but freeways promote unity. Attendees were encouraged to donate the maximum $700; Murray leads in polls and money, with contributions totaling $338,264.

I stand by my prediction a few weeks back: Murray will surge to first place (which he already has in the polls) and will eventually win the mayor's race.