[5] Heading into the 2000 election, the major three candidates for the primary were incumbent mayor John Talbott, Powers, and then-state senator Jim West.

Talbott and West were expected to move to the general election, however Powers had a surprising upset, garnering over 40% of the vote.

[6] In the general, Powers was elected as the first strong mayor of Spokane, a position that was created by popular vote a year earlier.

Talbott's aggressive stance against the project compared to Power's approach of mediation was seen as a major reason for his victory in the general election.

[7] By 2003, Powers had still been unable to resolve the River Park Square development, and his inexperience was seen as a drag on his ability to govern.