Left on the warpath

While unofficial Democratic Party apologist Joel Connelly nicks at McGavick for associating with Alaskan Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens, who have publically announced their unhappiness with Cantwell, the Stranger presents more evidence that the Democratic faithful in Seattle are Voting with Their Feet, working for the Darcy Burner campaign in the 8th district, instead of Cantwell's campaign.

Meanwhile Mike Seely of the Seattle Weekly provides some insight as to why: Speaking of working on the 2000 Cantwell campaign, Mike describes Maria's lackluster charisma and abrasive style. Most who worked on the campaign were there not because they like Maria, but because they hated Gorton.

"Had a dead squirrel been the Democratic nominee for Senate that year, we would have busted our butts for the dead squirrel. Hell, we may have worked harder, because squirrels can't talk, especially dead ones," said Seely.

Nonetheless, after all of that, Seely says, "Whatever her personality shortcomings, she's a principled, thoughtful legislator who meets the consequences of her actions head-on and without apology."

Go figure.