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ZOMFG! Commies have invaded Seattle!!!
Seattle's first socialist council member sworn in
All evil commie plans I tell you!
This is shocking! How could you let this happen, America...? 
Kshama Sawant promises to fight for $15-an-hour minimum wage, affordable housing and taxes on super-rich
Seattle has sworn in its first socialist city council member in a century after a former community college professor won a surprising victory in a citywide election.
Kshama Sawant of the Socialist Alternative party took her oath and served in her first hearing, then gave a speech to supporters in a ceremonial swearing-in at a packed city hall.
"I will do my utmost to represent the disenfranchised and the excluded, the poor and the oppressed, by fighting for a $15-an-hour minimum wage, affordable housing, and taxing the super-rich for a massive expansion of public transit and education," said Sawant, 41.
Sawant's win surprised many even in this liberal city. Bolstered by a grassroots campaign that focused on economic inequality, she toppled the incumbent of 16 years, Richard Conlin, who was backed by the political establishment.
"Here in Seattle, political pundits are asking about me: will she compromise? Can she work with others? Of course, I will meet and discuss with representatives of the establishment. But when I do, I will bring the needs and aspirations of working-class people to every table I sit at, no matter who is seated across from me," Sawant said.
On Monday, the mood was celebratory and resolute. "I wear the badge of socialist with honour," she exclaimed.
Seattle city council staff estimate Sawant is the first socialist to be elected to office in 100 years.
Seattle's new mayor, Ed Murray, who led efforts to legalise gay marriage in Washington state over two decades, was also ceremonially sworn in on Monday. The veteran state politician defeated incumbent Mike McGinn.
Kshama Sawant of the Socialist Alternative party took her oath and served in her first hearing, then gave a speech to supporters in a ceremonial swearing-in at a packed city hall.
"I will do my utmost to represent the disenfranchised and the excluded, the poor and the oppressed, by fighting for a $15-an-hour minimum wage, affordable housing, and taxing the super-rich for a massive expansion of public transit and education," said Sawant, 41.
Sawant's win surprised many even in this liberal city. Bolstered by a grassroots campaign that focused on economic inequality, she toppled the incumbent of 16 years, Richard Conlin, who was backed by the political establishment.
"Here in Seattle, political pundits are asking about me: will she compromise? Can she work with others? Of course, I will meet and discuss with representatives of the establishment. But when I do, I will bring the needs and aspirations of working-class people to every table I sit at, no matter who is seated across from me," Sawant said.
On Monday, the mood was celebratory and resolute. "I wear the badge of socialist with honour," she exclaimed.
Seattle city council staff estimate Sawant is the first socialist to be elected to office in 100 years.
Seattle's new mayor, Ed Murray, who led efforts to legalise gay marriage in Washington state over two decades, was also ceremonially sworn in on Monday. The veteran state politician defeated incumbent Mike McGinn.
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