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Here's what Seattleites are saying about Inslee's presidential run

caption: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee gives his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature on Jan. 15, 2019, in Olympia, Wash.
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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee gives his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature on Jan. 15, 2019, in Olympia, Wash.
AP

Governor Jay Inslee formally announced his candidacy for president Friday. The results of informal polling this morning suggest that some of his constituents in Seattle want him to keep his day job.

Out on the Ave in U District this morning there were no "Inslee 2020" t-shirts. But there was quite a bit of apathy and hesitation in response to the governor's announcement.

"He's a good person, you know he can run if he wants," said Catherine Calderwood. "I'm not sure he has the personality. "

When Jim Smith heard Inslee's name he shook his head and said, "one more Democrat."

He says he's weary of the growing field Democratic field. But he likes that Inslee is running on combating climate change.

"The current administration says it's fake news basically," Smith said, "Look around; the weather's changing. I don't know if anything can really be done, but you gotta start somewhere."

On Twitter, our KUOW audience had similar reactions.

Out of a very unscientific poll of 106 of KUOW's Twitter followers, just 33 percent said they would vote for Inslee. On Instagram, those numbers looked similar.

Here are the reasons people on the 'gram said they would or wouldn't vote for him:

Inslee Instagram Feedback
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KUOW Graphic/Brie Ripley

In the University District, people said they generally like Governor Inslee and his climate focus, but would prefer a different candidate to face President Trump in 2020.

"I love him as a governor and I would really him to continue in that role. I support everything he's doing," said Jennifer Nedeltchev. "I think we have a lot of attractive Democratic candidates right now and so I'd like him to continue in his gubernatorial pursuits."

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