Washblog

You refer to my diary, of course.

I would just like to say that I am among those who are working with Sen. Cantwell and her staff on Iraq-related issues AND putting pressure on the senator to take a position on the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from the Iraq civil war.

Yesterday, a small group of us spent 1 1/2 hours with the senator in a small conference room, talking entirely about Iraq. I won't say anyting else about the meeting. The meeting was on record, and we're free to discuss it in public, but I defer to Lietta Ruger, who deserves first crack at blogging on the meeting. After all, she has two relatives facing a return to Iraq; I don't.

More loyal Democrats should be pressuring her on Iraq. If more of us were applying pressure, she might have taken a position by now on the withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Iraq. But too many of us have refrained from pressuring her on Iraq because we're overly afraid that public criticism will cause her to lose to Mike McGavick.

Senator Maria Cantwell will crush Mike McGavick in November. We will all have the pleasure of watching another scum-bag Republican ground into the dirt.

In the meantime, I'm a lot more worried about the disintegrating situation in Iraq. I want my senators to be better senators, and for that to happen, we have to put pressure on them. Both of them. I happen to have better contacts in Sen. Cantwell's office, but I'm developing contacts in Sen. Murray's office, too. The time to get behind Sen. Kerry's proposal for withdrawing U.S. Armed Forces is now.

We, the People, have the right to demand that our elected officials begin bringing home the troops now. The best way to demand this is to say it in the presence of the elected officials themselves. And you won't get to do that if you are a compliant Democrat. You have to be a loyal, complaining Democrat.

by DWE on Tue Apr 11, 2006 at 03:46:05 PM PST

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At the get together in Marymoor Park last Saturday, there was a lively discussion about a growing frustration with Maria Cantwell's silence on Iraq.  Seems she spoke up at tonight's appearance with John Kerry.   A review of her speech over at NW Progressive has Maria supporting John Kerry's plan to bring the troops home.  About damn time, Maria.  Now you have not only my vote, but my dollars and my hard earned well-guarded time for some boots on the ground good old fashioned door belling.

by SME in Seattle on Tue Apr 11, 2006 at 08:15:41 PM PST

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The blog may not have a "neutral observer" on the raging Cantwell controversy. But Switzer is the closest thing I've seen. Thanks Switz for trying to sprinkle water on the flame war.

by dinazina on Thu Apr 13, 2006 at 07:08:35 AM PST

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...when seeing the title of the diary was "by who?"

As a lib, I don't want my relative dis-ease with Cantwell to promulgate any sort of advantage with the rightys out there who are beating up on her.  When Cantwell beats Wilson, I'll be happy that we can put the bullshit behind us and keep this seat for the Dems.

Like Kos said at the Labor Temple:  You want to influence bad Dems?  Buy 'em.

by Belltowner on Tue Apr 11, 2006 at 04:05:02 PM PST

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Cantwell LOST the ANWR debate.

Repeat.

Cantwell LOST the ANWR debate.

She and Kerry WITHDREW their amendment and ANWR drilling passed in the Senate.

Then she said Dirk Kempthorne was a knowledgeable Nortwestern environmental advocate. Yeah, other than the fact he's a radical ANTI-environmentalist.

Don't give me this crap about liberals who are concerned with Iraq undermining this champion of environmentalism. That argument is nonsense.

 

by dlaw on Wed Apr 12, 2006 at 07:44:44 PM PST

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...McGavick is opposing the tanker scheme as well. So that issue is not exactly a strong differentiator.

Look, if Cantwell thinks she can get something out of it, she'll say anything. I think that's clear.

Oh, and her supporters will applaud.

by dlaw on Wed Apr 12, 2006 at 07:50:15 PM PST

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...you REALLY want to go back down this path?

   If you had been keeping up with the various "conversations" about the junior senator, you would realize that instead of, "Also, it may be that she has changed her mind on Iraq.", it is that she has recently been quoted in the press as saying she has no regrets over her vote to send troops into Iraq, not to find WMD, but to support regime change."

   If you were keeping up, you would know that we don't have to, "wait until we find a champion who will embrace all our causes as we do, in tandem and in their entirety,..". Mark Wilson is already here and, in addition to opposing drilling in ANWR and supporting alternative and renewable energy, Mark has been steadfastly against the invasion of Iraq and the Patriot Act since before the invasion took place. In addition, he is for holding the Bush administration accountable for their willfull violations of the law (including obvious violations of the Geneva Conventions) Finally, rather than, "a delicate balancing act to perform with regards to publicly stating her positions on various issues," Mark is willing to stand up for his beliefs and values so that we and the rest of the state know where he stands.

   "So the bathwater is dirty and the baby needs a bath." I say, let's change the bath water and give the baby a healthy bath. Six more years of soaking in dirty water can't be good for anyone.

Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue

   

by The Left Shue on Tue Apr 11, 2006 at 02:38:32 PM PST

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Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray have failed to take a stand against the imperialist invasion in the middle east, among many other intrusive actions on part of the U.S. colonial machine. The white middle class liberals in this state have spent too much time listening to soccer mom's such as cindy sheehan, and too little time listening to the raza's in our own community, who have shown that they can organize millions of folks.
To the person who suggested that Dems call Cantwell and Murray, I have done such a thing. And I  know many others who have done the same. What's the response? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. They don't give a shit. They never will, because they are concerned with re-election and not 'rocking the boat'. I ask these interns and staffers, " How many lies must the administration tell before you take stand?" No answer. Loaded question? No. It's a legit question.  For those who are under the misguided assumption that the Dems will "save us all", the goddess help us, as we will simply tumble down this hypercapitalist spiral even faster. What we need in this country is a revolution. Yes folks. That's right. A true revolution. My hope is that the Brown and Black folks in this coutry will lead us out of this waking dream. The Civil Rights Movement has just begun. Si Se Puede!!!!!!!!!

by arielle on Wed Apr 12, 2006 at 08:07:48 AM PST

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          It's time my fellow Democrats to take a stand! The Washington primary in September will give us an important choice of who will represent us in the United States Senate. Mark Wilson or Maria Cantwell is our choice.

Some say the incumbent (Cantwell) has done this, that and raised so much money. I say "So What!" I want a Senator Like Mark Wilson who will represent the issues that are most important to "We the People!" Elections have been all about money for years and it's damn well time to change that!

This is " All well and Good" but if we do not get our representatives in office who will bring public financing to the table and jam it through it will continue to be the vicious cycle which has been going on for years!

Lobbyists and special interests have corrupted the majority of our Congress with money and gifts which shows these recipients to be sellouts to the American people no matter what their party affiliation!

Sure, they make the excuse that they have to fundraise everyday to stay in office to do the public's business but the reality is most of these public servants never bring up legislation to switch to public financing nor do they promote the idea to their base.

I encourage all who think their patriotism is unquestionable to get involved in the election process in all facets. Look at the Voting records, bills and legislation that they support.
It is your duty as an American Citizen to get involved and become educated in the political process.  Knowing how your government works is vital in understanding how laws and legislation   help or hurt you as citizens.

An informed public may stop voting for candidates who continuously work for corporations and special interest groups.

An example of what Public Financing can do for you is systemic. Take away the big corporate money  and lobbyists then you will have honest Government working for the public, as they should! To hell with lobbying reform just eliminate it period. Lobbying is just another word for bribery! In that case I would consider that practice treason.

I live in Washington State. My United States senators are Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. Both of these Senators are progressive in their voting. Murray at about 87% and Cantwell about 80%. Those are not bad percentages. When you look at the votes and legislation coming from these two senators you might say at election time, "I would vote for them again"." Good incumbents are hard to find". Well you are partially right! Ask yourself the question "Did these two bring legislation to the table and vote for the best interests of the state and country every time?" The answer is no! Shocked, I'm not. We can't have our way all the time now can we? We can do better!

The Washington State primary is in September in which Maria Cantwell is running against Mark Wilson.  Cantwell has raised almost 7 million dollars for her campaign.
I am sure she wont bother to worry about Mark Wilson because she may feel her incumbency trumps Mark or anyone else who may challenge her. Corporate donations and special interest money seem to be what drives Cantwells Campaign. Then of course, she is proud of her voting record. I am not so proud of her record or the fact she is obligated to these corporations and special interests for their huge donations.

Primary elections are to make changes in representation and Washington State should Elect Mark Wilson and send Maria back to school.

Mark Wilson is the person who will represent the average working citizens of Washington State. Mark is concerned with big issues most important to the citizens of our state:
·    Bring an immediate end to our nation's ill conceived war  
·    Protect Social Security
·    Oppose: NAFTA, CAFTA, WTO.
·    Direct spending to conversion from fossil fuels to renewable energy
·    Refocus our troops on national defense
·    Enforce air and water quality standards
·    Establish a National Peace Academy
·    Support basic education, kindergarten through age 20
·    Make sure health care becomes the right of all Americans

It's an easy choice for me. I want a person to speak for me who knows what its like to survive in today's world. Mark Wilson is that choice! I don't believe for one minute that a millionaire like Maria Cantwell can relate to me or my needs much less speak on the behalf of the average citizen like Mark can.

Maria Cantwell Voted for the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, NAFTAand CAFTA.
She also voted for confirmation of Condoleeza Rice and John Negroponte and the destructive Bush energy bill and to move class-action lawsuits from state to federal courts.

One of Cantwell's most heinous actions was to NOT supporting the Democratic filibuster of Samuel Alito then she turned around and took credit for voting against Alito's confirmation as Supreme Court justice. If that's not enough to make you gag then I will offer a few more items to induce vomiting. Cantwell voted not to repeal oil and gas tax breaks from the energy bill. To enable the President to place International trade agreements above worker and environmental protections, against a repeal of tax breaks which reward U.S. companies for moving their manufacturing plants overseas!

Is that how you want to be represented? The democratic voters are not behind these positions Cantwell has taken on these issues. She has failed her base and the citizens of Washington State. In fairness to Maria Cantwell, on other issues she has voted progressively. When you weigh the importance of her votes, I would say that the Issues which are getting troops killed, outsourcing jobs, changing the shape of the courts for decades and kicking the rotten Washington Lobbyists out on their butts. Maria fails miserably for the voters of Washington State!

Some have said we need winners in government and I agree. Mark Wilson is the winner we need in Washington who will support the big issues and the Democratic Party! On issues like filibusters, outsourcing of jobs and healthcare for all Mark is who I want standing up for me in Washington. Mark Wilson will not vote out of both sides of his mouth just to please special interests or big corporate campaign donors.

I am sure when we send Maria Cantwell back to the private sector she will be courageous in her support of Mark Wilson and transfer those democratic donations from her campaign to Mark Wilson against Mike McGavick.

Mark Wilson speaks for the Washington citizens and me!

VoteMark.org

Public Financing will bring real REPRESENTATION to our government.
Lets send all the Washington lobbyists packing back to Exxon, Enron, and the Drug lobby. Et al.

Washington State is a Progressive State. Let's start voting that way and elect Mark Wilson to show our state is ready to bring the country back to the American People!

by Ozy on Mon Apr 24, 2006 at 03:01:22 AM PST

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