Around Seattle, you would be crazy not to have disc brakes on your commuter bike. More weight but you stop quickly as long as you have good rain tires. Make sure you get th ebike you really want and as others have stated - rigid fork for a street bike.
Love my Cannondale Bad Boy but also like the:
Scott Sub series and Specialized Sirrus would be a good pick.
Hybrids are awesome for commuting and general all around bikes. Can add racks, go shopping, ride 30-60 miles, and cruise around the neighborhood.