Washblog

Its true what Stephan pointed out on the first post at SP, Sheldon isn't the most conservative Democratic Senator in the caucus. Both Jim Hargrove and Jim Kastama have made important votes against the caucus, and they would never be targeted by statewide Dems. In the legisature Rep. Bill Grant of Walla Walla is probably the most conservative Democrat, and he isn't facing the opposition that Sheldon is facing this year. Why is that?

Sheldon makes the wrong choices when being a partisan matters. In the last few years its almost as if he's has made a show of being against the party while still carrying around a D after his name.

Democrats for Bush is only the first example. And his vocal support for Rossi is only the second. There are plenty of counties in the West where local Democrats faired much better than John Kerry in 2004. Probably even some Democratic officials voted for Bush in those places. But, coming out in public to oppose your party's standard bearer is something different. Also, since both Rossi and Bush lost the 35th District, you can hardly make the argument that supporting both Republicans was somehow "representing his district."

He also gave $10,000 to the state Senate Republican Campaign Committee in 2002, a year that while his race didn't matter, lots of other state senate races did matter. Why be a member of a caucus if you're going to support the other side? This year the RSCC is paying him back, in a way, by considering him a Republican in his primary race.

Also, the local party organizations don't like him at all. The folks up in the 35th District are most noted for their dislike for Sheldon, and leaders from the Grays Harbor, Thurston, Kitsap and Mason county parties were all on hand to stand against Sheldon with Pelz earlier this week.

The last thing this is about is Sheldon's voting record. It is about his attitude toward party. It is sad its gotten this far, but what do you expect?