So why is Tran running?

Alright. We now have a new challenger for the Democratic Party nomination for US Senate. Until now only Mark Wilson, who has been campaigning for a year, was the sole Democratic opposition to Cantwell. Then, out of the blue (pun accidental), political unknown Hong Tran makes her announcement to considerable fanfare. According to Ms. Tran's website, she entered the race against Cantwell to advocate:

"The quick withdrawal of US troops from Iraq ...
Renegotiation or withdrawal from trade agreements such as NAFTA and CAFTA ...
Investing in programs that improve the quality of life for all Americans and restoring a social safety net...
Repealing the US Patriot Act and the other policies implemented by this administration ..."

Now, let's compare Ms. Tran's main campaign issues with those of Mark Wilson, the other Democratic challenger. Very briefly, Mr. Wilson wants to:

"Achieve an immediate orderly end to the occupation of Iraq...
Repeal the USA PATRIOT Act...
Begin a national back-to-work program to promote sustainable energy...
Revitalize and celebrate the American middle class...
Protect true equality for women...
Restore the trust of the people..."

There you have it. There is considerable overlap. The only distinctions appear to be a matter of emphasis.

So why is Ms. Tran choosing to muddy the waters now, less than four months before the primary? Why, when there are at least three other anti-war and anti-Patriot Act candidates in the field, does Mr. Tran enter this race? What could possibly be the value in yet another anti-war candidate on the ballot?

But wait!

What if Ms. Tran is more interested in helping Maria Cantwell win comfortably in September? Isn't Ms. Tran going to split the anti-war vote in the Democratic primary? Isn't Tran's presence in the race really a "spoiler" for Mark Wilson, to reduce his vote totals in comparison to Cantwell's?

In the game of basketball they are called "hatchet men," put into the game not to get points but to rattle the opposing team, by committing as many fouls against them as possible before fouling out.

This is an open question to Ms. Tran: Why are you REALLY in this race?