Cantwell Watch

Daily Show: What Exactly Is President Bush's Job?

2006-10-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Daily Show: What Exactly Is President Bush's Job?

P-I interviews Tran

2006-08-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Seattle P-I interviewed Hong Tran. Turns out, "Cantwell was invited to attend the session, but a representative said she had a scheduling conflict."

Uh huh.

It's called "Don't dignify your long shot opponent by appearing at the same forum."

Is it McGavick, Wilson, Lieberman, Dixon or Guthrie?

2006-08-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

According to the Columbian Cantwell has done a quiet 'about-face.' Only Maria knows for sure.

Tran gets more coverage...

2006-08-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

CQPolitics, the online version of Congressional Quarterly, has an article about and interview with Hong Tran, a political neophyte opposed to the Iraq War, and vieing for Cantwell's seat. Mark Wilson must be wondering, "Is is just that she is prettier than me?"

Cantwell rated average

2006-08-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Drum Major Institute recently surveyed Congressional votes on matters particularly affecting the middle class and Cantwell got a "C".

The gloves are off...

2006-08-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today's Seattle Times announced McGavick is loaning his Senate campaign $2 million.

Sure. Wonder what the interest rate is...hmmm?

Dixon gets some press

2006-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Times had this report on Green candidate Aaron Dixon.

Among the usual dialogue about the Iraq War, Dixon talked about whether "he expected to hear from angry progressives if Democrats lost the Senate seat, Dixon replied: 'They need to look at themselves. I can take any criticism that comes my way. We need more choices for people.'"

Tran gets more coverage

2006-08-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Even though Dixon and Guthrie have been out stumping longer, and it appears both have raised more in campaign funds, the Seattle Times chooses to cover Hong Tran's "quixotic" attempt to beat Cantwell.

Go figure.

Finally, a difference with some meat on it.

2006-08-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Cantwell and McGavick are now trading barbs over Cantwell's recent NAY vote on the Republican tax package. It all reduces to interpretation of a provision that could adversely affect restaurant workers. There are too many other details to repeat here, but a good place to start is Postman on Politics blog.

What do the third party candidates think about this?

Aaron Dixon's Radical Past

2006-08-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

This week's Seattle Weekly reports on Aaron Dixon's Radical Past.

Who's next?

Yawn...

2006-07-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

Cantwell, McGavick agree on some Lebanon issues.

Debates anyone?

2006-07-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

According to the P-I McGavick proposes nine debates with Cantwell. Cantwell, in turn, "looks forward to debating her opponents after all the parties have chosen their nominees," said her campaign manager Amanda Mahnke.

Hmmm. Wonder if that means Cantwell is willing to debate Guthrie and Dixon, who have already been nominated?

Will Dixon Opt Out?

2006-07-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

There are unsubstantiated rumors on the senate campaign trail that Green's Aaron Dixon may not file, for reasons also unknown. As of Tuesday, July 25th at 1:55PM, no Dixon candidacy yet. If this happens, could Libertarian Bruce Guthrie fill the anti-war candidate void?

Guthrie interviewed on KUOW-FM

2006-07-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Given that media coverage of third party candidates is often scarce, here is the link to the Friday, July 21, 2006 edition of KUOW: The Conversation in which Libertarian US Senate candidate Bruce Guthrie is interviewed.

Please feel free to add links to other interviews of any other US Senate candidates to the comments section of this post.

Cantwell starts over

2006-07-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

With minimal fanfare the Cantwell campaign has disclosed that it will "kickoff" her re-election bid with an 8 day campaign tour beginning August 13.

Cantwell's campaign manager also said she would agree to debates sometime in October.

Hmmm. Debates with whom?

Still More on Cantwell/Wilson

2006-07-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

The fallout continues on the Cantwell/Wilson story. Here, David Postman spars with readers over his coverage of the story. Lots of interesting tidbits to be picked up here, like the fact that Wilson is now getting $8,000 a month from the Cantwell campaign, or nearly as much as her campaign manager is getting.

Dixon Qualifies

2006-07-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

This blogger received an email from the Secretary of State's office today stating that Aaron Dixon has enough signatures to qualify for November's ballot as the Green candidate. Much more to follow on this....

Now the question will be....how much media attention will be paid to Guthrie and Dixon? These energetic campaigns will have to compete with the D/Rs and their many millions of buck$!

More on the Wilson/Cantwell merger

2006-07-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here David Postman of the Seattle Times talks about the chain of events leading up to Sunday's press conference.

Here local Republican pundit Jim Miller adds his two cents.

...from the make your own news dept.

2006-07-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

In its continuing election year barrage of press releases, the Green Party now wants the US to pressure Isreal to back off in the Gaza Strip.

"When Congress passed H.R. 4681, which severely cut U.S. aid to the Palestinian people as long as Hamas is in power, it rejected the right of Palestinians to elect their own government by democratic vote," said Aaron Dixon, Washington Green for U.S. Senate. "While Hamas observed a ceasefire for over a year and has taken steps towards recognizing Israel, the Olmert government repeatedly violated the ceasefire, assassinated Hamas leaders, bombed a power plant that provides electricity for hospitals and water treatment plants, and allowed sniper-shootings and imprisonment of Palestinian women and children."

By the way, the Dixon web site is looking slicker every day. Check it out.

The view from D.C.

2006-07-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

In most states the left's anti-war opposition candidates seem to be dropping like flies. The Hill reports support from three former primary foes bolsters Democratic candidates, including Cantwell. Now, only Lieberman is still on the ropes within his own party.

So "unity" is now the buzzword in the D circles. "Never mind the law. Never mind the atrocities. We must win at all costs."

Lovefest already shows signs of foundering

2006-07-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Robert Jamieson of the P-I, who often has no trouble calling things exactly as he sees them, asked today Do hires make her Maria, Queen of Smarts?. As previously reported, Cantwell hired former opponent Mark Wilson and another anti-war activist in an attempt to appease the anti-war vote. Jamieson isn't so sure it was a good move. "Word around the liberal campfire is the two guys Cantwell just brought on board don't represent the heart or soul of the peace and justice movement," he said.

Meanwhile, the P-I also reports on the press conference itself. "Despite the orchestrated appearance of a united party, there still seemed to be differences between Cantwell and Wilson. In explaining his decision at the news conference, Wilson said he was satisfied there'd been an 'evolution' in Cantwell's stance. Cantwell, though, disagreed her stance had changed. She said instead that it had been clarified by two recent votes."

Really, how much integrity does Cantwell have now?

Wilson bows (sells?) out

2006-07-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Today Maria Cantwell and challenger Mark Wilson appeared at a press conference to announce that Wilson was withdrawing from the race for the Democratic nomination and joining the Cantwell campaign as a full time staff member.

Yep. Its true. Now to the post-mortem. Methinks Cantwell saw her numbers sliding badly and knew she needed to do something drastic. And so she made an offer to Wilson that he could not refuse. Sure, the Ds are crowing tonight. But the story ends on 11/7. And at the end of this day, this already stinks like old fish.

NPI reports Wilson To endorse Cantwell

2006-07-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Apparently, another candidate bows out. According to the Northwest Progressive Institute, Democratic challenger Mark Wilson will endorse Cantwell tomorrow. Meanwhile, the P-I reports it's a done deal.

Hmmm. I've talked to Wilson. There is no way he would do this unless he had a very good reason. Odds are he will NOT be talking about that reason tomorrow.

Where's Cantwell?

2006-07-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

In today's P-I Joel Connelly asks that question. Seems Republican challenger McGavick is crossing the state in multiple appearances and Cantwell...well, hmmm...uh, lessee...didn't I hear she was in the other Washington? Or maybe she's visiting her friend Hillary in New York...or?

Meanwhile, where's Guthrie?

Answer: Next Saturday; Tacoma's Pridefest at Wright Park.

And where's Dixon, and Wilson, and Greene, and Tran, and Klippert?

C'mon! Tell us!

On Social Security...

2006-07-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Times' David Postman has an interesting rundown on McGavick and Cantwell on Social Security.

Anybody know what the other candidates think? Hmmm.

Guthrie Files Signatures

2006-07-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

BruceGuthrie.com reports that Libertarian US Senate candidate Bruce Guthrie filed over 2,000 petitioning signatures with the Secretary of State's office on July 3rd. Since 1,000 are required for the November ballot, it appears there is at least one other candidate in the mix besides Cantwell-McGavick. Does anyone know if the Green Party candidate collected and filed signatures yet?

Long shot candidate gets some press

2006-06-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

In what may be the first feature story since she announced her candidacy, Democratic challenger Hong Tran got her first published interview in the Vancouver Columbian.

In essence, Tran accused Cantwell of being too supportive of the Iraq War and inconsistent on the environment.

Finally some major disagreement - on a spurious issue

2006-06-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a campaign that continues to be mostly dull the Republicans have finally trotted out an issue on which the centrist candidates disagree. A constitutional amendment aimed at banning flag-burning in the U.S. failed to win Senate passage by a single vote. Cantwell and Murray both voted No.

According to the report, McGavick "has been 'vocal' in support of the flag-burning amendment, campaign spokesman Elliott Bundy said in a telephone interview. Yet Bundy said McGavick doesn't plan to press the point in campaign ads because 'it hasn't proven to be a big issue.'"

So is this a significant issue or not? What does Mark Wilson think? Or Aaron Dixon? Or Bruce Guthrie? If you know, please tell us!

McGavick gets offensive

2006-06-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

At the same time McGavick unveiled a new section of his Web site to detail his record in turning around Safeco he sent emails to supporters asking for money.

Sez Mike!:

"Dear Supporter, When I first entered the race for United States Senate, Maria Cantwell had a 20-point lead over me. With your help, we've closed that gap and the latest Rasmussen Reports poll shows that I'm within 4 points and closing in fast. Our campaign is surging ahead and Cantwell's support is eroding because voters hear our message of civility and common sense as opposed to business as usual in Washington, D.C. I'm within 4 points of Maria Cantwell and closing in fast...let's keep this momentum going!"

Yeah, right. There are two things to note about this. In fact, the erosion in Cantwell's support has been nearly 4 times the increase in McGavick's support. That is to say, roughly 25% of the electorate are either undecided or told Rasmussen they would vote for for a third party candidate if they had the chance. This is up 5% from 6 months ago. So, McGavick had practically nothing to do with closing the gap.

Second, McGavick wants good fundraising numbers for his FEC report, because the media will gauge the success of his campaign on his financial support. Every serious candidate has this concern. But given his lackluster performance in the polls, I don't see what he has to crow about.

Green Party openly courts LGBT community

2006-06-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

In what has become a regular routine of national press releases highlighting local candidates, the National Green Party issued another press release featuring Aaron Dixon and Green Party candidates of other states. Today's release highlights the Green Party's support for LGBT civil rights.

Libertarian Party candidate Bruce Guthrie also attended Seattle's Gay Pride Festival yesterday to show his support for marriage equality and other LGBT issues.

No other Senate candidates appeared.

McGavick takes the high-roller's ground

2006-06-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Times reports that McGavick wants a television commercial that shows Cantwell's head superimposed on a vulture's body dropped. The ad, sponsored by the Free Enterprise Fund, advocates repeal of the federal estate tax. The group has refused to pull the ad. Meanwhile, P-I columnist Joel Connelly points out that McGavick is taking lots of funding from fat cat Republicans, and that talking the talk is not walking the walk. In Connelly's words, McGavick is "pledging to be Bambi while cavorting with Godzilla."

So, perhaps McGavick is merely the 2006 model of the Republican "compassionate conservative."

McGavick on Drudge

2006-06-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Don't know how long it will last, but if you pull up DRUDGE REPORT 2006 at the top of the page is a McGavick video! Must have cost lots of bucks, appealing to Drudge conservatives.

I wonder if Cantwell will turn up on DailyKos?

Cantwell accused of discriminating against veterans

2006-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

From deep in the hills of Appalachia comes frontal attack on Cantwell for sabotageing international marriage and romance for veterans. The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act, of which Cantwell was a prime sponsor, introduced regulation of international romance by requiring background checks and profile reviews of clients by so-called marriage brokers, among other things.

The writer claims Cantwell "desperately presented false and misleading testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 14, 2004 (falsely) claiming international marriage brokers were involved in human trafficking of women into the United States. A DOJ study had already concluded no such correlation."

Noting that veterans are among those most affected by the law, the writer concludes, "People living everywhere should have the right to choose whom they marry without government interference."

Hmmm. Wonder if the sentiment would hold true if the veteran wanted to marry someone of the same sex?

Cantwell grandstands her stand on the war

2006-06-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Choosing the Senate floor to reiterate what she thinks about the Iraq War Cantwell stays her course, calling for:

Appointment of a special U.S. envoy to help build international support for the new Iraqi government. Cantwell suggested someone with the stature of former Presidents Bill Clinton or George H.W. Bush.
A summit meeting involving U.S. allies, Iraq neighbors and the United Nations to forge a regional security agreement, protect Iraq�s borders and revive reconstruction efforts.
Encouraging the United Nations to appoint a U.N. high commissioner for Iraq similar to one coordinating international efforts in Bosnia.
Formal congressional investigations of the Haditha incident and �all credible allegations� of misconduct by U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

When asked about Cantwell's speech, McGavick said "The bottom line for me when it comes to the war in Iraq is to support the course we are on."

What good Republicans we are!

McGavick has an opinion on war

2006-06-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Apparently, when talking to the Vancouver Columbian McGavick expressed concern about the power of the executive branch. Says the Columbian:

"The legislative branch has failed to defend its authority to declare war under the War Powers Act and scarcely debated the Bush administration's new policy of pre-emptive war, McGavick said. That's dangerous, he said, in a time when the United States has the 'unilateral destructive power' to take over another nation 'in a day.'"

Well, that's nice. What do the other candidates say?

Cantwell has new web site

2006-06-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Cantwell.com has a new look. No doubt she could not be outdone by the McGavick site. Even the Bruce Guthrie site and the Hong Tran site are better than the old Cantwell site. The others...well, lets just say they could still use some help.

Putting in the fix

2006-06-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, after a bit of arm twisting it turns out the 38th District Democrats have withdrawn their endorsement of anti-war candidate Mark Wilson. Don't want to lose any funding for the so-called "Coordinated Campaign" do we?

Meanwhile, Seattle Times writer Joni Balter takes Cantwell and McGavick to task for their stands on the Iraq War and ANWR oil, respectively.

Anybody heard anything about the other candidates? Didn't think so.

Anti-flag-burning rally in Olympia

2006-06-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Citing a poll of 501 Washington voters, activists showed up in Olympia to support a constitutional amendment against flag burning. Cantwell is against it. Even McGavick agrees there are more pressing issues in Congress.

What about the other Senate candidates? Anybody know? Tell us!

Gay marriage, flag burning and estate tax become campaign issues

2006-06-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

While the Ds fume Senate Rs are setting the debate agenda on issues near and dear to the hearts of Republican neo-conservatives--gay marriage, flag burning and the death tax.

Cantwell says nobody cares and McGavick says he gets asked about these issues all the time. Hmmm. Could it be they have different audiences?

Finally Joining the Big Boys & Girls

2006-06-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

Maria Cantwell's other challenger, Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Guthrie, has finally joined the big boys and girls with his campaign website, www.bruceguthrie.com. From the looks of it, it has potential although substantive content is under development. All importantly, however, the Click N Pledge function works well, for those of you who want to see Maria have to answer Bruce's challenge from the left, especially Maria's support of W and the Iraq War.

McGavick begs off Bush fundraiser

2006-05-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

Citing his son's high school graduation (in Pennsylvania no less!), Mike! has decided he can't attend a fundraising event with Bush.

O.K. So it's pretty obvious why Mike would not want to be in the same room with Bush, but why is his son going to high school in Pennsylvania?

The view from L.A.

2006-05-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Times speculates that Cantwell may not be as vulnerable as previously thought, and that her confrontation with Ted Stevens last winter over oil drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Reserve has helped her. Nonetheless, the paper also acknowledges that Cantwell has still had a tough time rounding up volunteers.

Yawn. For anybody watching closely, this is all old news.

93rd out of 100

2006-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

That's where Congress.org a private, non-partisan organization designed to facilitate civic participation ranks our friend Maria in the Senate. She merits a "Power Score" of 14.25. By comparison, Patty Murray ranks 46th, with a "Power Score" of 33.37.

McGavick colors himself green

2006-05-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Supported by Christine Todd Whitman, McGavick unfurled his position on the environment to Gig Harbor Republicans. Amidst the usual "global warming is real" banter he took Cantwell to task for her role in the ANWR battle: "She is entitled to vote against ANWR drilling," he said. But she should not have personally led the fight. Alaska has long and close ties to Washington. McGavick said it "set neighbor against neighbor."

Left on the warpath

2006-05-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Record gas prices fourth-highest in U.S.

2006-05-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

Turns out local gas prices are fourth-highest in the country.

Can you say "retaliation"?

No Longer 'Victory' in Iraq?

2006-05-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

Great heads up Newsweek piece today describing how the US military is no longer planning for what was once called 'Victory' in Iraq. Now the watchword used by the Bushies and military will be 'Containment'. Let's see how quickly Maria begins to use it. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12920385/site/newsweek

Iranian Newspaper reacts to McGavick

2006-05-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

According to the Persian Journal, McGavick has declared war against "people of Iran" for recommending that Iran be excluded from the World Cup soccer tournament.

The paper recommends, "Vote for democrates (sic) period."

Dixon's roots profiled

2006-05-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Times reports The story of Seattle's Black Panther Party, in which now Green Party Senatorial Candidate Aaron Dixon was a founding member, today.

P-I rates energy policies

2006-05-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

In an apparently well meaning editorial the P-I gives the Democrats a zero on energy policy. And if the Ds are nothing, the Rs are, well, less than that. And so what is the point of this editorial? To show that the Rs are more evil than the Ds, and voters better wake up? Is that it?

Sheesh!

Mainstream Rs counting on McGavick to lead state GOP to victory

2006-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Mainstream Republicans of Washington, headed by Sam Reed, predicted big year for the GOP in Washington State this year. Basically the MRs figure the Ds are too much in disarray over the Iraq War to maintain their control over the Washington delegation to Congress.

Good press, perhaps. But except for Cantwell, more likely wishful thinking than not.

Not Just Rumsfeld's Fault!

2006-05-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

In an insightful article today in Counterpunch, Winston T. Wheeler makes the case that although conditions are ripe for a major debate on America's defense budget and it is easy to go after the Republicans and Donald Rumsfeld, the Democrats advocate more of the same. He concludes, "The Democrats want us to ignore how they helped to create the mess and their current intention to do nothing about it. In fact, they are not even thinking about solutions--and the Republicans appreciate that." Link is www.counterpunch.org/wheeler05192006.html I wonder what Maria Cantwell has done in the past 6 years to be part of the solution?

Cantwell's position on Iraq dissected

2006-05-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Today's P-I reports: There's a disconnect between what Cantwelll 'sees' and reality.

Where have you gone Joel Connelly?

Dissatisfaction with Incumbents

2006-05-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

WashingtonPost.com has a story in today's news regarding a new low in public confidence in the public's faith in the GOP. Today's Post-ABC News Poll indicates that 69% of the public think the nation is now off track. 56% says they would prefer to see Democrats in control of Congress. BUT third party advocates should take heart in the rest of the news-there is a "growing disaffection with incumbents generally...when asked whether they were inclined to re-elect their current representative to Congress or look around for someone new, 55 percent said they were open to someone else...the highest rank since 1994." Does that mean there is opportunity for Mark Wilson, Bruce Guthrie, Aaron Dixon, and the like? We shall see....

McGavick closes gap

2006-05-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, insofar as McGavick is concerned, its a good thing. Rasmussen reports McGavick has narrowed the gap to 5 points.

But what about the others? Don't know? Neither do I.

So why is Tran running?

2006-05-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

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?

Spinning the Spin

2006-05-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

While columnists for the Seattle P-I and the Seattle Times take Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz to task for saying Cantwell isn't getting campaign volunteers because of her position on the Iraq War the Stranger reports Cantwell's non-responses to hard questions about on the Iraq War.

So, let's say Maria has friends, OK?

Making insurance an issue

2006-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well here ya go! Senate Democrats, including you know who, will be joining Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler for a news conference to trash the latest Republican "fix" to the health insurance mess.

S 1955, entitled the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005, amends title I of the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act allegedly to expand health care access and reduce costs through the creation of small business health plans and through modernization of the health insurance marketplace. Critics say the bill gives insurers more power to raise rates and increase profits by selling junk policies to patients and small business owners.

Be that as it may, isn't it interesting that a Washington Senator and a Washington Insurance Commissioner (both Ds) would want to hold a press conference regarding an insurance issue...when that particular Senator is facing a challenge from an ex-insurance company executive (an R).

Nah. Must be a coincidence....

Missing in Action

2006-05-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

And, while Cantwell and McGavick are off in the ether, and getting regular media coverage, does anyone know where Aaron Dixon (G), C. Mark Greene (R), Brad Klippert (R), Hong Tran (D), Mark Wilson (D) and Bruce Guthrie (L) (no web site yet) are?

Of course nobody knows. And nobody knows because, except perhaps for Dixon, the media is not providing any substantial coverage.

And why is the media ignoring these others? Could it be because they, along with the major polling organizations, still think American politics can be reliably plotted on a single axis (left-right) political spectrum? In fact, the Pew Research Center has demonstrated the premise is patently false.

The next time a polling organization contacts you about this race, ask why there are only two choices.

Taking the high(er)--as in "really high, dude!"--road

2006-05-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

As part of her continued push for alternative energy sources Cantwell announced plans for the country's largest biodiesel plant in Grays Harbor County today. So, uh, lessee...what does this have to do with government?

Meanwhile Mike McGavick, having a slow day on the campaign trail, offered his thoughts on Red Carding Iran from the international soccer championships in retaliation for its refusal to cowtow to pressure to abandon its nuclear energy program. That's right, soccer.

These are our frontrunners, remember?

Cantwell wows the mainstream Ds, draws another anti-war challenger

2006-05-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

Speaking to a "rousing reception" by the King County Democrats, Cantwell stuck to her message, women's rights, alternative fuels, and "In Iraq, 2006 must be a year of transition". The question, of course, is transition to what?

This question was not lost on Vietnamese refuge Hong Tran, a 40 year old public-interest lawyer, who declared her candidacy for the Senate seat as a Democrat on Saturday.

Methinks the Democratic primary, which will require voters to pick a party before they pick a candidate, will be an interesting referendum on what the left thinks about the Iraq War.

P-I introduces newspeak

2006-05-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

OK, so it was an in-state poll instead of a national poll, but the Seattle P-I says the most recent Elway poll reports Cantwell has a 29 point lead over McGavick. Meanwhile, of course, Strategic Vision shows Cantwell's lead at 8 points. Go figure.

Even more interesting, according to the P-I's own data when Green Party candidate Aaron Dixon is thrown into the mix Cantwell's lead shrinks to 22 points, though only 2 percent affirmatively support Dixon. Then the clinker--this from the P-I's Political Editor...

"Republicans were hoping Dixon's candidacy would bleed a signficant chunk of Cantwell's far-left supporters who are upset with the Democrat because of her position on the Iraq war. That doesn't appear to be happening."

Really!

If you didn't get it the first time, look at those numbers, then read the statement, again. Never mind that Cantwell's support drops by 8 points with Dixon in the race.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Times reports that Cantwell is losing campaign volunteers as a result of her stance on Iraq, and the Northwest Progressive Institute openly asserts, "Maria Cantwell's backwards position on Iraq is undermining her reelection bid."

Seems to me The Stranger has it pegged and the P-I's Political Editor is dreaming.

Maria speaks out on the Iraq War

2006-05-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Today Maria comes out of the closet on the Iraq War in a Seattle Times guest column. Don't see anything new, frankly...

Meanwhile the The Stranger openly wonders whether the official Democratic position on the war has left its candidates in a quagmire. Hmmm...

Mexican President to visit Washington

2006-05-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

So, amidst conservative ruminations that the Mexican government is corrupt, Christine Gregoire invites Mexican president Vincente Fox for a visit.

Anyone want to bet on who shows up for the photo-op? Anyone want to bet on who stages a protest demonstration?

More later...

McGavick starts Blog

2006-05-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

So, after a stint at Sound Politics blog and RedState.com Tim Goddard now has a job hosting the Mike McGavick for Senate 2006 blog.

Hmmm. I'm sure we can count on lots of balanced commentary.

More free media to the frontrunners

2006-04-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

The Daily Olympian reports a low turnout for the Thurston County GOP convention. But Mike! showed up and claimed credit for getting Ted Stevens to back down on oil tankers in the Sound. Meanwhile Maria! got her 15 minutes on Face The Nation to advocate for government oversight of the oil market.

Anybody know what Wilson, Klippert, Green, Dixon or Guthrie have to say about the price of gasoline?

Didn't think so...

Maybe Cantwell is onto something

2006-04-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

The News Tribune reports the recent rise in oil prices is the result of market manipulation by the major oil companies.

According to Tim Hamilton, a lobbyist for independent gas station owners: "The large oil companies have driven independent refiners out of business, used the commodity markets to drive up the price of crude in a "paper game" that has nothing to do with prices, and are exporting Alaskan crude oil and gasoline from Washington state refineries to places like Chile and South Korea to keep domestic supplies tight and prices high."

Meanwhile, of course, McGavick accuses Cantwell, who served several years on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, of blocking exploration and drilling efforts.

Methinks there is probably some truth on both sides of the issue.

Rs crow over Cantwell missteps

2006-04-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

After running a recap of recent problems in the Cantwell camp, the RedState blog openly speculates that the Rs will pick up a seat in the Senate, that seat being Cantwell's of course. Never mind the Rs are vulnerable in several other states.

CQPolitics.com Issue of the Week: Gasoline Prices

2006-04-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

These quotes are from CQPolitics.com:

"Skyrocketing fuel prices pose a grave danger to the American economy. The cost of gas in our state has jumped 60 cents per gallon since January. This is nothing more than a tax imposed on our economy by oil companies. American consumers deserve to know what's behind these prices. They deserve the truth and they deserve reassurance that the federal government isn't going to stand by and allow Enron-style profiteers to pick their pockets every time they fill up at the gas pump."
- Maria Cantwell

"At a very basic level, in the short term, this is a simple supply and demand issue. While we are dependent on oil, we must increase supply, and we must do it domestically. In the past five years, our state has seen no progress at the pump. Investigating possible price gouging by the oil companies is definitely something that should be done, but it certainly isn't a strategy for increasing supply or bringing down cost in the near future. ... Unfortunately, this very real issue continues to be treated as a political tool back east. Pointing fingers is not a strategy for solving this problem. Instead, our leaders in D.C. need to focus on making as much progress domestically as possible."
- Mike McGavick

Well, this sounds to me like the subtext is demagoguery vs tankers in the Sound.

Some choice.

Peace, love and happiness at Cantwell's office

2006-04-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

The Stranger reports an anti-war sit-in at Cantwell's Seattle office, earning an opportunity to hear the Senator's "sugar coated bullshit" and to sleep on the floor of the conference room.

Stop, hey, what's that sound? ZZzzzzz.

Ds take a swipe at McGavick

2006-04-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well, now, the Democrats claim SAFECO gave McGavick some illegal funds as part of a "golden parachute" on leaving his job with the insurance company.

Uh, when I last checked, McGavick was not putting his own money into his campaign. So where is the connection? Or is it that the Ds know full well that the FEC complaint is frivolous, and filed it merely to call attention to the massive size of the severance package?

Note, neither Maria nor her campaign are involved in this story. The complaint was filed by state Democratic Party boss Dwight Pelz.

Wilson claims he can beat both Cantwell and McGavick

2006-04-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Former Libertarian and former Green Mark Wilson is running "to keep the seat for the Democrats in a Republican led federal government."

No, really. See, its like this. Cantwell lost her liberal base by voting for the Iraq War and the Patriot Act, say Wilson supporters. Wilson thinks he can reclaim that base and thus beat McGavick. This is a "blue state" after all. So far he's raised $9,800. Cantwell has raised 8 million.

The Olympian reports Wilson as saying: "Retaining this seat is the unified goal.... But I can reach across to Greens and Libertarians and even disaffected Republicans."

Methinks the voters will have to look long and hard to see his hand.

Dixon missteps again ... or does he?

2006-04-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

According to The Stranger Aaron Dixon's campaign flyer handed out at his kickoff rally claimed the endorsement of Sheley Secrest, new president of the Seattle chapter of the NAACP. "But Secrest says that Dixon's campaign did not have her permission and she did not speak at the rally. As a registered nonprofit, the NAACP cannot make campaign endorsements."

But that may not matter. According to the blog, Dissident Voice "Dixon's rousing kick-off campaign rally drew a large crowd of Black, White and Brown highly disaffected left-leaning voters who share disdain for both the Republican and the Democratic Parties. This was not a placid Green Party convention of polite counter-culturists, but a convocation of angry energy from many strata of society that could, finally, one day, seed a real alternative politics."

The "somnolent campaign" kicks into neutral

2006-04-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the Seattle Times finally admits the Cantwell-McGavick contest is "somnolent." After all we ARE talking about varying degrees of "moderate," aren't we? Yawn. Zzzzz.

And, well, it's OK to talk about these guys, right?--because these are THE DEMOCRATIC and THE REPUBLICAN candidates, by gosh! Oh, and never mind the "perennial candidates" (i.e., the minor party candidates) who never get the time of day from any major media outlet. Never mind that these others might actually have something to contribute to the debate over national policy. Never mind they might spice up an otherwise dull race!

Well, alrighty then! Let's all gather around the campfire, sing God Bless America, and pay homage to the great two-party system, the system that brings us ho-hum candidates, the system that actually fears new ideas, because new ideas generally don't make good sound bites!

Cantwell's management questioned

2006-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

The wildly liberal Seattle Stranger took another swipe at Cantwell, noting that McGavick hires local talent and Cantwell taps the D.C. worker pool. This may not seem like a big deal, but the Stranger points out locals would have known that Garfield High was not the place to hold a rally last month. The rag even throws a bone to the Dixon campaign, noting that the Iraq War is Cantwell's Achille's heel and Dixon is an anti-war candidate. Well, the recently announced Libertarian candidate, Bruce Guthrie of Bellingham, is also an anti-war candidate.

So, its begining to look like the Senate race could well be a referendum on the war. Stay tuned.

Cantwell still ahead by 10

2006-04-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

According to the Strategic Vision Political poll taken at the end of March, Cantwell is leading McGavick 49% to 39%. The other 12% are "Undecided." Never mind that anybody else is in the race.

So, what would the poll show if Mark Wilson, C. Mark Greene, Brad Klippert and Aaron Dixon were listed? Whose numbers would drop off, Cantwell's or McGavick's? Would the "Undecided" segment go up or down?

Seems to me, any poll that includes only the so-called front runners is not only unreliable, but arguably is nothing but a "push poll" for the status quo.

The gloves are off...

2006-04-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

It didn't take long for McGavick to fudge his clean campaign promise. He took a swipe at Cantwell while defending his Alaska aid. And of course, to no one's surprise, the Ds responded in kind.

The public buys into this gibberish, year in, year out, assuming that a vote for a third party is "wasted." Methinks a vote for the same old stuff is "wasted."

Meanwhile the Republicans are mustering their troups

2006-04-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

While the lefties are fighting amongst themselves about whether to support Cantwell Oil money in Alaska lines up and V.P. Dick Cheney confirms his campaign stop in Spokane on behalf of you know who. Meanwhile the Washington Times accuses the Democratic Party of being the real 'party of the rich', noting amoung other things, that seven of the top ten US Senate campaign fundraisers are Democrats, including Cantwell (who pegs at #5). So, ah, lessee, where is the "liberal media"? Why, defending Cantwell's voting record, of course!

Aaron Dixon's Voting Record (redux)

2006-04-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Once again Aaron Dixon's Voting Record gets another raking over the coals, this time by the Seattle Weekly. Now, of course, it isn't only Dixon who is getting skewered. The Greens, who apparently never bothered to check up on Dixon's background, are a "laughing stock."

So, how is it that the Greens are a laughing stock for nominating Aaron Dixon and the Republicans were merely embarrassed for nominating Will Baker?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Wondering openly....

2006-03-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

Never mind the Dixon threat. Cantwell's own base of support in Seattle is openly wondering if she recognizes how precarious her support is. As The Stranger noted a few weeks ago, "Gregoire famously took the liberal wing of her party for granted (75,135 people in King County who voted for John Kerry did not vote for Gregoire), and was nearly embarrassed by a slick, soft-focus businessman. Quick, can you think of a similar GOP candidate?"

Progressive attack on Aaron Dixon mounts

2006-03-26T09:14:00.000-08:00

Citing to several reasons, including failure to register to vote, an unfinished divorce, several unpaid traffic tickets and a criminal record, the Northwest Progressive Institute asserts Aaron Dixon is unqualified for public office. One comment suggested that the Greens now have their own Will Baker.

The only legal qualification for office is an active voter registration. The rest of Aaron's history will certainly affect his level of voter support, but it does not make him unqualified. More important, Mr. Dixon's history really only matters if he wins, and nobody except Mr. Dixon himself has suggested he has even a ghost of a chance to win.

What the progressives are really worried about is that Dixon could peel off enough votes from the Maria Cantwell column to make Mike McGavick the winner. Thus, for all of the progressive's wailing and tearing of shirts about the Democratic Party's rightward drift the progressives still think a Democrat is better than a Republican.

If they knew their history they might think otherwise. Teddy Roosevelt was a progressive. Nelson Rockefeller, while not a true progressive, was still to the left of several sitting Democrats. I will leave it to someone else to determine where McGavick falls on the spectrum.

But the point is, and the progressives know this intuitively, that settling for the lesser of two evils is still evil.

The fact is, if third party sympathizers are going to let the "wasted vote" myth dictate their voting decisions, there really is no point for third parties to exist at all. They must come to recognize, and accept, that taking out a centrist candidate is a necessary hazard to moving political discourse in the direction favored by that third party.

Let's get real. We all know Dixon doesn't have a prayer to come out on top of this race. What the progressives have to decide is whether they are willing to sacrifice Maria Cantwell to the greater goal of becoming relevant.

Ds circle the wagons

2006-03-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

While Joel Connelly rushes to Cantwell's defense over the Garfield High debacle, Neil Modie mounts an attack on Green Party Senate candidate Aaron Dixon and progressive activist Geov Parrish reports on the internal controversy Dixon's candidacy has caused among the progressives.

There is nothing new about bashing third party candidates. But I'm sure many voters are wondering, if Cantwell can't handle a ragtag bunch of protesters what is she doing in the Senate anyway?

How badly does Maria need Seattle?

2006-03-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

This must be the question bouncing around the Cantwell camp after her embarassing outing this past weekend at Garfield High School. When faced with a small group of anti-war protesters, Cantwell shrunk from the occasion, and Ron Sims had to come to the rescue.

Uh oh!

How to win friends and influence people

2006-01-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that McGavick is going around eastern Washington apologizing for those who live in Seattle. Not that I live in Seattle, but apologizing for them because they are mostly Democrats is a sure way to lose there. And if McGavick loses in Seattle, or at least makes a poor showing, he might as well kiss off the race right now

Meanwhile Hillary is in Seattle fund raising for Cantwell as well as for her own reelection campaign in New York. The fact she is fundraising for both campaigns, particularly when she is expected to win easily in New York, suggests the Ds really do not believe Cantwell is vulnerable. Noted political analyst Larry J. Sabato suggests she will benefit from a nationwide Democratic drift.

McGavick steps up campaign

2006-01-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

Although KIRO calls it a kick off to McGavick's campaign, what is really happening is that McGavick is going on the chicken circuit next week. Watch for him in your town.

The Seattle Times: Opinion: With enemies like Stevens, Cantwell has lots of friends

2006-01-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Times gave a boost to Cantwell's campaign today calling attention to her surprise victory over Alaska Senator Ted Stevens.

But nobody is calling the race for her yet. A lot can happen in 10 months.

Cantwell tours Moses Lake seed plant

2006-01-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

In an effort to promote biodiesel fuel, Maria Cantwell toured a seed company that refines canola oil for use in diesel fuel. Officials refused to predict the success of the project.

Deputy announces his candidacy for US Senate

2005-12-31T15:13:00.000-08:00

Benton County Sheriff's deputy Brad Klippert has announced his intent to seek the Republican nomination for US Senate in 2006. His campaign issue? Keeping "under God" in the pledge of allegiance.

I doubt Cantwell is worried...

Big oil money predicted for McGavick

2005-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

Now that Cantwell has scored a big win for the environmentalists by beating back plans to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Seattle Times guest columnist predicts the oil industry will strike back by pouring millions in to the McGavick campaign.

There is, no doubt, some truth to this.

Stevens vows revenge on Cantwell

2005-12-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

In the wake of Cantwell's use of the so-called "Byrd rule" to kill plans for oil drilling in Alaska, Senator Ted Stevens vowed revenge. Complaining that the move also killed funding for hurricane relief and home heating oil assistance, Stevens told the Senate, "I am sure the senator from Washington will enjoy my visits to Washington, because I am going to visit there often."

McGavick exits Safeco with a cool 14.3 M

2005-12-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

While Maria Cantwell is grabbing headlines for fighting with the oil companies and observing elections in Iraq, challenger Mike McGavick has worked a deal on his "retirement" from Safeco that will earn him a cool 14.3 million. That's 3.5 million more than Cantwell got when she exited RealNetworks and used that money to buy her seat in the Senate.

Will McGavick follow the same strategy? His campaign manager says no. We'll see...

Money talks and -u-- --i- walks

2005-12-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

Think Money in Politics Got 'Reformed'? Just Try Running for Senate. Now, according to Newswire, almost a year before the election, Cantwell has raised 10 million. Compare that with Parry Murray, who spent 14 million in 2004 for her entire campaign.

McGavick campaign picks up Rossi endorsement

2005-11-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

The AP reports former gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi has endorsed McGavick's candidacy for US Senate.

The surprise, if any, is why it took so long.

Educational wedge issue introduced in the Senate

2005-11-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

KING5 reports "The Dream Act," a bill designed to allow children of illegal aliens to go to college, was recently introduced in the Senate. Says Cantwell, "I think that helps everybody, it helps them, it helps their families, it helps the local economy and it certainly helps businesses get more skilled individuals." Several conservative Republicans oppose it.

But this bill may not be a campaign issue in Washington, which took the matter into its own hands in 2003, and began enrolling undocumented students who've lived here at least three years.

Seems to me, as long as somebody can afford (or win a scholarship) to go to college, there is no reason to stop him/her. The problem, it seems, is when legal residents are deprived of an educational opportunity because their seat is taken by an illegal alien.

Cantwell widens lead

2005-11-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

According to the latest Rasmussen poll Maria Cantwell now leads Mike McGavick by 15 points, up 6 points from a 10/27 poll.

Cantwell has been getting some favorable press for her "attack dog" response to the recent spike in gas prices, and her attempts to head off drilling in an Alaska Wildlife preserve.

In terms of name recognition, Cantwell now leads McGavick by 20 points, which of course suggests that McGavick has at least 5% support from people who do don't even know who he is. Go figure.

Possible showdown looms over oil tankers in Sound

2005-11-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

Just when everybody thought the idea was dead for another 20 years or so, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens announced he has introduced a new bill to allow oil tankers in the Puget Sound.

Cantwell says she will fight it with everything she has. Let's see who has the leverage. Obviously, if she wins this one she is a virtual shoo-in for 2006.

Here's the extra credit question: Suppose Cantwell looses this fight with Stevens. Does that help or hurt her reelection chances?

NY AG joins Cantwells crusade against "gas gouging"

2005-11-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Never mind the evidence is skimpy, Cantwell's call for a gas-gouging probe has found the interest of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who is running for governor in New York next year. Spitzer recently wrote a letter to congress in support of Cantwell's proposed bill that would give the FTC investigatory powers.

P-I says Cantwell perpetuates the EPA's misdeed

2005-11-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

An op-ed in yesterday's P-I accuses Cantwell of putting the nation's inland waters at risk, by introducing a bill to eliminate an EPA requirement that ships treat their ballast before discharging it.

This seems odd given that Cantwell threatened a one-woman filibuster when the so-called Magnuson Amendment (which effectively bans oil supertankers from Puget Sound) was proposed for repeal.

So, does Cantwell care about the quality of the water in Puget Sound or not?

Another profile of McGavick & his campaign

2005-11-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

This one appears in the Kitsap Sun.

The Seattle Times: Editorials & Opinion: Mike McGavick's worth a look

2005-11-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

In the land of blue the red paper gives a boost to its likely favorite.