Gary Locke is probably not running for Seattle mayor. For starters, he lives in Bellevue

This week gave us some insight into where the Seattle mayor's race might be heading.

In addition to two high profile candidates who joined the race last week (former Council President Bruce Harrell and former state lawmaker Jessyn Farrell) speculation grew about former Washington Gov. Gary Locke jumping into the mix.

A column from The Seattle Times' Danny Westneat quoted people pining for Locke, or someone like him, to "save" Seattle; to be the so-called institutional candidate in the mayor’s race.

But as Joni Balter, host of Civic Cocktail on the Seattle Channel, notes, you had to read to the end of the piece to find out Locke lives in Bellevue and doesn’t plan to move to Seattle — which would make him ineligible.

"I talked to Locke a few times this week," Balter says. "He seemed playful about the idea. He offered a very Gary Locke quote: 'I do love fixing things, and Seattle definitely needs a lot of fixing.'"

But, she says, Locke added his daughter is still in high school in Bellevue, so he’s committed.

"In other words, not running for mayor," Balter concludes. "What was more interesting about this story to me was the sentiment of the people pushing this idea and responding to it. Some folks clearly still want a broader field for mayor, a heavier hitter, a more moderate player."

Balter and Brian Callanan, host and moderator on the Seattle Channel, joined KUOW's Angela King to talk about the week in politics. Listen to the conversation by clicking the audio above.