Washblog

....can we all please keep this thread civil?  We've had more than enough pie fights (and yes, I was an active and willing participant).  I seriously just want everyone's take on this (possible) news.

I'm with Obama

by willisreed on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 03:38:19 PM PST

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his mere presence and the issues he brought up that divided us helped to move Cantwell back a little more to the left.  At the least, it opened her eyes a bit.

I'd like to think that way at least.

And can we sing something else besides Kumbaya?  Maybe some Pink Floyd or something?

by Pen on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 06:01:28 PM PST

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...on the "shut up and sing" crowd.

It remains to be seen what Cantwell does to revitalize her campaign with Democrats. Progressives led by, among others, DWE, had shown her a way. We've tried to make Democrats understand the simple, inarguable calculus that supporting the war in Iraq was a TERRIBLE political decision, not to mention immoral. We've tried to explain that you don't get trusted unless people feel you believe in something.

When Democratic senators, in their efforts to placate the Right, started taking votes that were just plain stupid and offensive, we finally got a little tough with them. Well, hopefully Maria Cantwell has been taught a political lesson. That remains to be seen. But if she has it will be because patient people like DWE and Mark Wilson (and all the rest, you folks know who you are) have braved the slings and arrows of intrigue and shouts of disloyalty to bring the party closer to a viable position for 2006.

by dlaw on Sun Jul 09, 2006 at 01:13:34 PM PST

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I was poisoned by a mole plant, a euphorbia lathyris, and spent yesterday on the couch, my skin crawling and eyes swelled shut.  This morning I wrote my post on Cantwell peering through the little slits that opened up overnight --

'Tis my only excuse for stumbling on Willis' diary through David Postman's blog instead of reading Washblog.  Lame-o, I know but, anyway:

Watch out for these.  Ow:

by noemie maxwell on Sun Jul 09, 2006 at 02:35:27 PM PST

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...given his previous positions. But maybe he's so slammed by lack of funds that he just can't continue to the primary, is all I think of.

Or maybe somebody gave him an offer he couldn't refuse.

by dinazina on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 03:41:01 PM PST

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http://www.horsesass.org/index.php?p=1798
Horsesass

Dave Gibney Pullman

by gibney on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 03:57:17 PM PST

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in part because Cantwell has changed her opinions on the war. The Levin Amendment was probably a bit of the reason. Obviously, we'll know more after the official announcement.

by CarlBallard on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 05:52:23 PM PST

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I am deeply grateful for all your support. As I have come to get to know many of you I have discovered great treasures of the heart and a vast wealth of the spirit from which I draw hope, courage and confidence.

Now, though, is the time for unity.

After 16 months of campaigning in Washington State for the US Senate, I have come to terms with issues of deep conscience.
In all consideration, my opinion is the best remedy for meeting the challenges of the future, and to be victorious, is for me to withdraw my candidacy for the US Senate and to endorse and work with Senator Maria Cantwell for re-election.

This is not a concession. My conviction is that supporting Senator Cantwell is the surest way to winning for us all.

I stated all along that my goal in this effort was not to run against anyone, but to run for everyone. This has been a campaign of our values. And, that the highest priority is that we Democrats retain this important seat.

Senator Maria Cantwell is the best choice for achieving that important goal. The fact is that Senator Cantwell has time and again stood, face in the wind of adversity, and persevered on our behalf. Now is the time to get behind her and push.

Please join me in this important effort.

Not long ago Senator Cantwell withstood the blowing chill from the north and courageously faced down Ted Stevens from Alaska and won a critical environmental victory on ANWR.

There have been many instances, time and again, where her character has shined. With a Democratic majority in the US Senate she will rise and shine on our behalf again and again. Of this I am sure.

I have had a deep and personal one-on-one conversation with Senator Cantwell. I came away convinced we are on the same path when it comes to solving the crisis in Iraq and the potential crisis with Iran.

We agree there must be no permanent American military bases in Iraq.

We are also in agreement that every American should have access to quality health care. We could not get any further from these important goals and remedies than with an insurance executive.

Think about it. Access to health care or an insurance executive. You can't have both.

The Bush, Cheney, McGavick Republican policies have been tragic for the people of Washington State, for the United States and for people all around the world. It will take tremendous effort to get on course away from the rocks of the Bush, Cheney, McGavick nightmare. But, with a Democratic majority in in congress in 2006 we can do it.

As Democrats though, we cannot merely stand upon the rubble of the Republican ruins.

We must articulate a clear resolute vision for the future with sound policies grounded in peace, progressive renewable energy solutions, access to quality health care, true human and civil rights including LGBT equality, while protecting a woman's right to choose and fiscal responsibility.

We must lead the way to hopeful future for our children.

Getting Americans back to work in good paying family wage jobs that cannot be exploited overseas to the lowest common denominator is critical.

Getting control of an out of control system is possible with instant runoff voting and clean money public funded campaigns.

This is the foundation for fair access to serving in our communities for those whose call to service is deafened by big money in politics.

Unlike McGavick, who is able to campaign every day, Senator Cantwell still has a full time job-- representing us. On top of her job she is campaigning. She needs our support and help to unify all progressives behind her. She asked and I've agreed to work with her to help engage her campaign with you and all progressives.

My values and issues have not changed. My strategy has.

I will be taking an active full-time role in Senator Cantwell's re-election campaign. I will be a constant voice for the peace and justice community, for veterans, military families and labor. We all need to be fully engaged.

The Bush, Cheney, McGavick policies have been tragic for the world, the United States, and for us here in Washington State. Mike McGavick, whatever he might say if elected would be another vote for the Bush Administration.

You know we cannot do this without your help. It is time for the Washington State Progressive, Peace and Justice democratic community to come together again as a family united, working for our common goals for a hopeful future with real meaning for everyone.

United our voice has resonance and is heard. Together we will win with Team Cantwell in 2006.

I am excited about bringing our voices forward in this campaign. I am at your service.

Sincerely,

Mark Wilson

by DWE on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 07:27:08 PM PST

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Hey I finally got a chance to use a pittance of that $100 worth of Slim Jims I paid the 47th Dems to print today, walking KELLY (nice houses! fascist condos! no. wait. 2 outta 3. TT the MAD who run the assn. in the third. Why screw around?). Looking for a PCO!

That's it. Done. Finito. Just hunkering down and waiting for the ATM rattle here in the ornery '1295.

by m3047 on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 09:11:17 PM PST

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I'm curious how much effect this will have.  I've always had the impression that most of Wilson's support was more anti-Cantwell than pro-Wilson.  

Good news nonetheless.  My plan has always been to just not vote for anyone in the Senate primary, based on Wilson being a bit of a flake and Cantwell's votes on CAFTA/Oman FTA, Bankruptcy and the war.  I don't know that this has changed my opinion much.  

I do have a lot of respect for what Cantwell has done as far as the environment, the BPA shenanigans and for generally being a good representative for Washingtonians.  

PortDork

by PortDork on Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 09:36:38 PM PST

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