Washblog || Post-primary support in the US Senate race

Post-primary support in the US Senate race

By switzerblog
Wed May 10, 2006 at 01:30:20 PM PST
Section: Washington State Topic: Election news/info

Several days ago, Rob Dolin posted a diary asking Mark Wilson if he would support Maria Cantwell should he lose in his primary challenge. Yesterday, Mark posted a response in that diary, and that response is posted below.

There was much discussion among the "front-pagers" about this, and the general sense is that, while Belltowner and switzer and Chad Shue and dinazina may all have extremely disparate - and strong - positions on "viability" and other issues related to the US Senate candidates, Washblog as an entity should take no stand. Objectively, a candidate is a candidate and should be treated as such. Recognizing that a letter posted by Maria Cantwell would be promoted with little discussion, it was decided to elevate Mark's response here in the hopes of encouraging open and frank discussion. I must insist that we all wear our respectful hats, as we each have our reasons for, and rights to, our own opinions. This is a touchy topic, so this thread will be watched closely - I intend to keep a short leash on name-calling or ad hominem attacks.

That said, here is the excerpted version of Mark's comment, with the two passages regarding his direct answer to Rob's specific question:

If I am unsuccessful in my bid for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate I will not campaign for Senator Cantwell. I will not publicly support any Democratic candidate that does not vote in accordance with or defend the Washington State Democratic Party Platform.
...
I will vote for the winner of the primary of the Democratic party. I have promised to support the winner of the primary. If it is Senator Cantwell, I will support her with my vote.
I will find a deserving Democratic candidate in my local area to actively support if fate stands me down. That means I will door bell and make calls for a good candidate.

Again, this will obviously stir up a lively debate. Let's be civil and reasonable - it's recognized that there are disagreements, so make your point directly, but please avoid poking each other with sticks. As we've learned from the P-I recently, they are watching (or at least they're watching Arthur).

I will pose a similar question to Cantwell's staff, although I wouldn't expect a response. Strategically, it doesn't make sense for them to even acknowledge a possibility of losing, and that's understandable. However, it is a brave new world with the blogs and she's been reaching out a little more lately, so we'll just see what happens. If someone knows how to contact Hong Tran, I am willing to pose the same question to her in the interest of fairness.

I urge you to scan the original diary for context, and if you'd like to read Mark's full letter (also highly encouraged), you can jump below the fold.

Mr. Dolin,
Thanks so much for your patience in awaiting my reply to your questions.
Yes it is true I have run under other party banners like Rodney Tom. But unlike Mr. Tom I have never defeated any Democrat or tipped the scale in favor of any Republican.
In fact my run in 2002 as a Libertarian was an anti-Iraq war campaign. I actually helped Jay Inslee to stand up to the Bush Adminstration and finally come out against the war. As a veteran, the son of a veteran and the father of two veterans I shared with Rep. Inslee the costs of combat throughout the campaign.
I also asked him if he really trusted the adminstration of George W. Bush. I didn't then and I sure don't now.
I did this while ensuring his re-election by taking 3% of the votes that most likely would have gone to the Republican. As you well know Libertarians typically "take" votes that would likely be cast for Republicans. Inslee won with 55%.
In 2004 as a Green I was also standing against this tragic war as I do now. While I represented absoutely no threat of shifting the balance from Murray to Nethercutt, I took the position to speak out against the contuinued funding for this illegal and immoral war. Patty Murray voted against use of force with Iraq. But, she continued to vote for funding for it.
For me this run is a return to my Democratic Party. I felt, as many Democrats do these days, that party leaders and electeds in congress have failed to capitalize time and again to rise on behalf of working families and for peace.
I came back as a voice of opposition to the dangerous Republican policies in place. War, trade policies, privacy and issues of civil liberties, equality and choice that have been attacked and turned back by the neo-cons in power. We must halt this advance at all cost.
My determination is to continue to help move the Democratic party as a force of opposition to the Republican contract against Americans. I want to crush the neo-con artists delusional blurred vision that is expressed in their blustery PNAC. I call it the highway to hell.
It is more than standing against what's wrong. We must clearly distinguish ourselves from our opponents in order to regain the majority in congress. I think that is what the American people are thirsting for. People want a clear choice.
I do encourage my supporters to support the Democratic ticket up and down the line across the board. we must defeat the Republicans and bring the criminals in this adminstration to justice.
If I am unsuccessful in my bid for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate I will not campaign for Senator Cantwell. I will not publicly support any Democratic candidate that does not vote in accordance with or defend the Washington State Democratic Party Platform.
Senator Cantwell continues to ignore that platform in her votes for "free trade" the USA PATRIOT Act and the illegal, unconstitutional, immoral war in Iraq.
Her co-sponsorship with Senator Rick Santorum on S.333 is deeply troubling. Another rattling saber pointed this time at Iran. This adminstration is insainly considering the possibility of using so-called bunker buster "mini" nukes in civillian populated areas. This is ghastly. I see this as the same caustic prelude that led to the current quagmire in Iraq.
I will vote for the winner of the primary of the Democratic party. I have promised to support the winner of the primary. If it is Senator Cantwell, I will support her with my vote.
I will find a deserving Democratic candidate in my local area to actively support if fate stands me down. That means I will door bell and make calls for a good candidate.
But, If the winds of fortune blow with me and I am the primary victor, will you support my general election campaign to the senate?
I'm very interested in knowing that. Will you ask this question of Senator Cantwell? If I am the nominee will she campaign for and support me?
I look forward to your answer.
Sincerely,
Mark Wilson
www.VoteMark.org

< Important Statistical Analysis of Reichert's Record on Road to 2008 | Sharpening the finger points ... if Maria loses .... >

Post-primary support in the US Senate race | 56 comments (56 topical)

I tell you what...

I can't wait for this primary to be over. So we can move the fuck on to more important things. I think I'm make a website and devote it to moving on to more important things. I'll call it...

moveon.org

Or something like that.

Switzer- While I think Mark Wilson is a joke candidate, he is a candidate. Even if he ran against Jay Inslee and Patty Murray, I think he should get fair treatment. That doesn't mean complimentary treatment.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

by Belltowner on Wed May 10, 2006 at 05:05:28 PM PST

* 1 5.00 1 *

Belltowner yr a kick by noemie maxwell, 05/10/2006 05:26:14 PM PST (none / 0)
Not sure what you mean by switzerblog, 05/10/2006 05:34:48 PM PST (none / 0)

update! by Belltowner, 05/10/2006 06:46:25 PM PST (none / 0)

yeah, I see nothing complimentary, either by noemie maxwell, 05/10/2006 06:19:25 PM PST (none / 0)

While I wish...

that Mr. Wilson would be more active in supporting the winner of the Democratic primary, and also wish that he hadn't made us wait almost two weeks for an answer to a very simple question, after reading his letter I know what his plans are and why, even if I strongly disagree. And I believe us in the grassroots are entitled to hear that from someone who's run under different party banners.

Sen. Cantwell will get my efforts and vote this September (and presumably November as well). If Mr. Wilson does lose the primary and then becomes active for Democrats that he personally supports, that's a reasonable path to take.

I think it's great that we as a party can have disagreements without them turning into "I love apple pie and you're with the terrorists" type rhetoric. That's why we're the stronger party through and through.

Mr. Wilson, as Sen. Cantwell said on Saturday, I wish you luck but not too much.

by sean baratt on Wed May 10, 2006 at 05:20:37 PM PST

* 4 5.00 1 *

Mark Wilson Called

He called about 40 minutes ago and we had a long talk. I'm not switching horses yet, but he was very articulate. Not at all the man I remember from a brief meeting at the State Party meeting in Everett last year.
I stated right up front my current position supporting Maria Cantwell. He appreciated my forthrightness and proceeded to ask, and debate, and in the end was very persuasive. I don't think I can continue to agree that his candidacy is a joke.
I'm now troubled as to my penultimate primary vote, except I still don't think he will resonate well enough over here in the east to win the general election. I didn't challenge him on that or on his past party affiliations.
I think the past affiliations have been well explained already, and I'm only one person in the lower right hand corner of this state currently speaking on eastside viability.

Debra Senn didn't think Maria was a potential real rival until it was to late in 2000. Senator Cantwell may make the same mistake.

Anyway, I call them as I see them. I need to think now.

Dave Gibney Pullman

by gibney on Fri May 12, 2006 at 08:23:56 PM PST

* 40 5.00 1 *

Do your thinking .... I applaud you for this one. by Arthur Ruger, 05/12/2006 09:34:36 PM PST (none / 0)
Did you discuss eliminating hydroelectric power? by RonK Seattle, 05/13/2006 07:20:15 AM PST (none / 0)

We didn't get to that area. by gibney, 05/13/2006 11:23:23 AM PST (none / 0)

Why I'm not supporting Mark Wilson by noemie maxwell, 05/13/2006 03:46:12 PM PST (none / 0)

Good point on healthcare by gibney, 05/13/2006 03:56:55 PM PST (none / 0)

If I'm not mistaken, nobody in the Senate ... by RonK Seattle, 05/13/2006 04:52:53 PM PST (none / 0)

How about we cut to the chase here?

When the primary is over and Maria Cantwell is our nominee, and the alternative is insurance lobbyist Mike McGavick, whose puppetmaster is Slade Gorton, what are you going to do?

My position is clear: I am for Cantwell now and I will be for Cantwell in November. We will re-elect her. Then we can get down to the business of communication, and how to go about it, so that we can be sure that we have a junior Senator who is (1) listening and (2) representing us as we would have her represent us, or at least more so.

I'll get real personal here, and too bad if anybody doesn't like it, because politics is not beanbag: To succeed, we will have to do it like David Edelman and the Rugers have done it, and not like certain others around here.

If perception is reality, then the world must be flat and the sun must revolve around it.

by ivan on Sat May 13, 2006 at 01:50:06 PM PST

* 47 5.00 1 *

In the shadow of Scoop by The Left Shue, 05/13/2006 05:48:56 PM PST (4.00 / 1)

Scoop by Belltowner, 05/14/2006 01:24:36 AM PST (none / 0)

I Was There by The Left Shue, 05/14/2006 09:07:36 AM PST (5.00 / 1)

I am going to help build the bench by rmdSeaBos, 05/13/2006 06:02:15 PM PST (none / 0)

It's a stretch to blame by gibney, 05/13/2006 06:26:05 PM PST (none / 0)

December 6, 1987 - DLC Speak? by rmdSeaBos, 05/13/2006 10:48:37 PM PST (none / 0)

One slight omission

Switzy,
I would respectfully add this to your excerpted version of Mark's comment:

"I do encourage my supporters to support the Democratic ticket up and down the line across the board. we must defeat the Republicans and bring the criminals in this adminstration to justice."

Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue

by The Left Shue on Wed May 10, 2006 at 05:10:17 PM PST

* 2 none 0 *

Hey Chad by switzerblog, 05/10/2006 05:36:37 PM PST (none / 0)

Well, I must confess

When I read what Mark said, I remembered the 2004 general election. I worked so hard on the Dean campaign, and just hated Kerry so much, that all I could was vote for him. I couldnt bring myself to campaign for him. Though I was burnt out as hell, and not running for office.

At his level, I believe Mark should fall behind the party candidate, even if it just means telling his voters to vote for her.

by Proper PH on Wed May 10, 2006 at 05:13:05 PM PST

* 3 none 0 *

In fairness by Belltowner, 05/10/2006 06:53:57 PM PST (5.00 / 3)

Huzzah! by switzerblog, 05/10/2006 08:05:33 PM PST (none / 0)

X Reasons to NOT Work After

the Primary for Candidates you are not comfortable with:

the way campaign work gets done is usually secretive, which means that petty machiavellis mess with processes and people, which is frustrating at the minimum and infuriating at the worst - especially since most people who volunteer really want to make a difference, not make it easier for some petty machiavelli to pad their resume, their ego, their career and their paycheck.
you really disagree with the policies of who you didn't work for.

for the record,

IMHO progressive issues have been getting beaten completely and severely for decades.

IMHO those loses have MORE to do with too many losers in charge of our loser party than with evil thugs who've been evil since the dawn of the species.

IMHO our losers are either politically incompetent, corrupt, tragically and sadly mistaken, or, some combination of the 3.

I am NOT going to do anything more than mark a ballot for people I consider to be political losers - if I fail anyone's fealty / loyalty / servility tests,

AFTER decades of losing severly,

HA HA HA HA HA.

rmm.

http://www.liemail.com/BambooGrassroots.html

by rmdSeaBos on Wed May 10, 2006 at 07:18:36 PM PST

* 11 none 0 *

I will disagree with you on one thing by switzerblog, 05/10/2006 08:23:41 PM PST (5.00 / 1)

tautalogy (campaigns and volunteers) by m3047, 05/12/2006 07:27:50 AM PST (5.00 / 1)
I should have said "the party by rmdSeaBos, 05/11/2006 05:24:43 PM PST (none / 0)

A couple things by switzerblog, 05/11/2006 06:49:04 PM PST (none / 0)

great examples - for my by rmdSeaBos, 05/11/2006 07:31:22 PM PST (none / 0)

And another thing by gibney, 05/10/2006 08:37:26 PM PST (5.00 / 1)

Unsteady progress by Mark Centz, 05/11/2006 03:54:15 AM PST (none / 0)

The Answer is Satisfactory

Mark Wilson promised to vote for Cantwell and to support the Democratic ticket by campaiging for a Democratic Candidate.

He did NOT threaten to endorse Mike! nor threaten to vote for Mike! He did NOT threaten to abandon the Democratic Party and he did NOT threaten to become a Republican.

Under the circumstances, Wilson's response is satisfactory and even generous.

by bhelverson on Wed May 10, 2006 at 07:49:33 PM PST

* 12 none 0 *

The answer is: no support by RonK Seattle, 05/10/2006 10:48:24 PM PST (5.00 / 1)

Attempting to remain civil by The Left Shue, 05/10/2006 11:22:32 PM PST (none / 0)

Exactly as I said by RonK Seattle, 05/11/2006 06:38:11 AM PST (none / 0)
Remain civil by switzerblog, 05/11/2006 10:31:34 AM PST (none / 0)

Mark Wilson for Senate

So lets just try a new strategy for a change in this election. Every election we hear that we have to support the same republicrat candidate because he/she is better than the worst. We have a choice here folks, albeit a longshot. Mark Wilson, unlike his primary opponent Maria "Boeing" Cant-do-well, is a real Democrat even if all you measure him by is his positions relative to our platform.

So why not vote for him in the primary? At worst we send Ms. Boeing a strong message that we are sick to GODDAMN DEATH of pandering to the right to keep from being branded a LIBERAL, Goddess forgive. The Bush administration deserves NO support from real Democrats, regardless of the reason or political strategy. The war is a complete disaster, and anyone with a quarter-brain figured that out during the run-up when Powell, Cheney, Rummy, Rice, and the Kahunna himself were obviously lying through the silver spoons in their mouths. That Maria fell for it and continues to support her mistake is grounds for dismissal. But at least, failing that, we have an obligation to send her a message in the strongest of terms. YOU FUCKED UP and now you pay.

What the hell good is a Democrat who acts like a Republican? Would you vote for Joe Liberman? Think about it. Is your vote so worthless as to throw it away out of fear?

Vote for Mark Wilson in the primary and at least have a clear conscience, for Christ's sake.

by Lariokie on Wed May 10, 2006 at 11:31:58 PM PST

* 18 none 0 *

This blog post reminds me... by Belltowner, 05/11/2006 12:56:51 AM PST (5.00 / 2)
What good are Dems who acts like Repubs? by eridani, 05/12/2006 09:02:00 PM PST (5.00 / 1)
Lariokie -- Do you mean LaRouchie? by noemie maxwell, 05/11/2006 09:06:26 AM PST (none / 0)
Maria didn't "fall for it" by switzerblog, 05/11/2006 10:13:17 AM PST (none / 0)

Fool me once .... by Arthur Ruger, 05/12/2006 06:43:58 AM PST (5.00 / 1)
And like it or not by gibney, 05/11/2006 01:39:00 PM PST (none / 0)

No faith by The Left Shue, 05/11/2006 03:41:02 PM PST (none / 0)

Get Real PLEASE!

Several days ago, Rob Dolin posted a diary asking Mark Wilson if he would support Maria Cantwell should he lose in his primary challenge.

What a question! I would guess it was designed to get an idea of Mark's mindset. Will he support the Democratic Party in the face of defeat? I guess it's a useful question for those looking for a bone to pick with Mark. He was courteous to respond in a timely manner.

I think better questions should be posed to Ms Cantwell.

How about:

Ms. Cantwell: Why did you vote for the Iraq war?
Why did you vote for CAFTA?
Why did you vote to confirm Rice and Negroponte?
Why did you vote for the Bush energy bill?
Why didn't you support our party in the filibuster of Samuel Alito?
Why did you take credit for voting against Alito after pulling that backstab?
Why are you in bed with the GOP on so many issues such as cosponsoring bills with Rick Santorum?

Ms. Cantwell: Why don't you fight to get out of this illegal war?
Why don't you submit a bill proposing National Healthcare for all Americans?
Why don't you fight for public financing of elections so we can eliminate corruption in Washington DC.

The List goes on but my last question would be;

Ms. Cantwell why don't you represent the people of Washington State like you swore to when you took your oath of office?
Even better; Ms. Cantwell are you really a democrat?

It's time for the real Democrats to send representatives to Washington D.C. who actually REPRESENT their base.

I say to you that I want a person who fights for the people of Washington State.

That is Mark Wilson. He speaks for all the people of our state whether they know it or not!

Mark believes it's time to give something back to the American People!!

He will start with National HealthCare and getting us out of this Illegal War!

I say votemark.org NOW!

Belltowner, I think the real JOKE in the election would be to keep voting for a Senator who keeps voting against you!

Rick Lafave
42nd District
Ferndale, WA

by Ozy on Thu May 11, 2006 at 09:14:43 AM PST

* 23 none 0 *

What? A question? by RonK Seattle, 05/11/2006 11:37:58 AM PST (5.00 / 1)

Please explain e/p? by Ozy, 05/11/2006 02:52:07 PM PST (none / 0)

Ozy - Why LOL ... by RonK Seattle, 05/11/2006 10:33:01 PM PST (none / 0)

Is that right? by Ozy, 05/12/2006 08:55:50 AM PST (none / 0)

Thx for sharing the GOP talking points, but ... by RonK Seattle, 05/12/2006 11:35:03 AM PST (none / 0)

Thanks for the double talk by Ozy, 05/12/2006 02:41:06 PM PST (3.00 / 1)

Oh, we're not done here by RonK Seattle, 05/12/2006 06:38:22 PM PST (5.00 / 1)

I think we are done by Ozy, 05/13/2006 01:12:29 AM PST (0.50 / 2)

Can't just say "Sorry, I was wrong"? by RonK Seattle, 05/13/2006 07:42:34 AM PST (none / 0)

Post-primary support in the US Senate race | 56 comments (56 topical)

RE-ELECT
ALEC FISKEN
Seattle Port Commission

FISKEN'S PORT WATCH
Environmental Issues

REAL CHANGE
HOMELESS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT

PIRATE TELEVISION
Challenging the Corporate Media Blockade

Watch Live or Archived Shows:
Seattle SCAN
South End PSA

Photo courtesy of photographer/thankyoult.org
THANK YOU, LIEUTENANT WATADA

WA PEACE LINKS

ABUSE OF POWER
Inspired by Rob McKenna's Fake Attorney General Letterhead
GIF of Letter

PNW TOPIC HOTLIST

Blog Directory

WELCOME AND FAQ
ABOUT

Login

Make a new account

Recommended Diaries

Political Graphics 101: 34th LD lit deconstructed
As part of my highly opinionated, ruthlessly honest series on political graphics, I zero in on campaign lit from the 34th.
By dinazina (6 comments)
Gulliver's Travels
Jeb Bush came to town today and stopped by to speak with the Microsoft Political Action Committee. Most memorable metaphor on
By BryceM (8 comments)
WA Insurance Commissioner Says: Don't Believe the Hype (Yes on R -67)
Today I received the email copied below from Mike Kreidler, Washington State's Insurance Commissioner. It contrasts interestingly with the letter full
By noemie maxwell (2 comments)
Here in Douglas County who you are still seems to carry a lot of clout.
Commissioner Dane Keane has done it again! This time he has damaged a county vehicle while apparently under the influence. Although
By Dixie (3 comments)
John Edwards In Seattle - Why You Should Be There
Hello everyone. My name is Michael, I live in Puyallup, and this is my first time posting here. I wanted to
By Michael 4 Edwards (14 comments)
West Seattle Neighbors' 9-11 Antiwar newspaper ad
ON 9-11-07, the Robinson newspapers (West Seattle Herald, etc) will display this half-page ad, paid for by West Seattle Neigbors
By dinazina (9 comments)