What will the future bring? We don’t know for sure, but some things seem more likely than others, and of course, there’s always rumor and speculation.

2010 is a state and federal election year, although due to the passage of the change of government in Federal Way, we will also have an election for mayor of Federal Way next fall.

At the federal level, both area Congressmen Adam Smith (D-District 9) and Dave Reichert (R-District 8) will be up for election. Smith appears in good political shape if he runs, and as always, Reichert will face another close challenge in his swing district. At some point, Reichert will lose or step down. When that happens, watch for former candidate for governor Dino Rossi to step up.

Many have thought that King County Council member Reagan Dunn would want his mother’s old seat in Congress, but that’s not the current buzz. It appears he may be more interested in running for attorney general when incumbent Rob McKenna vacates the office to run for governor in 2012. However, Dunn could have company as many Democrats are talking up Dunn’s colleague on the county council, Bob Ferguson, as a possible candidate. Current thinking is that Gov. Christine Gregoire will seek an appointment in the Obama administration rather than campaign for a third term.

Attorney General McKenna is a conservative, but will follow Rossi’s approach and try to project a moderate image. The Democrats have Bainbridge Island Congressman Jay Inslee, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, State Sen. Lisa Brown from Spokane and House Speaker Frank Chopp as possibilities.

This fall, local State Sen. Tracey Eide (D-District 30) will likely win another term — and then she needs to make a decision. Rumors continue that Lt. Gov. Brad Owen won’t run again, and Eide is frequently mentioned as a probable candidate.

State Representatives Skip Priest (R-District 30) and Mark Miloscia (D-District 30) will likely run for re-election rather than for mayor of Federal Way. Depending on how the political winds shift, Priest could still end up in the mayoral race, but we’ll have to wait and see. Miloscia will probably win another term, which may set the stage for him to run for state auditor if Brian Sonntag steps down in 2012.

There is also a low-key but persistent rumor that well-regarded county legislative staff member Joe Fain may run for the District 47 Senate seat currently held by Claudia Kaufman (D-Kent). Fain is a moderate Republican who has been active in school issues in Kent, Auburn and Federal Way. He also serves on civic boards including Auburn Youth Resources.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat, may walk to re-election as Republicans can’t seem to find a “name” candidate.

As we close out 2009, we should thank former Federal Way City Council member Eric Faison and former judge Mike Morgan for their public service. We should welcome new council member Roger Freeman and new judge Rebecca Robertson and wish them good luck.

Lastly, by the time 2010 is over, Federal Way will have had two mayors. My guess is the city council will elect Linda Kochmar as mayor and Dini Duclos as deputy mayor.

Then this fall, Federal Way voters will elect their own mayor. Who will that be? We’ll have to wait and see, but right now, eight names are still in play.