Washblog

We Dem's will need to win many races one might call swing if the majority is to shift. And the big issue is GW Bush all the way.

by Particle Man on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 12:12:29 PM PST

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And these are Democrat Richard Wright challenging Doc Hastings in the 4th district, Democrat Peter Goldmark challenging Cathy McMorris in the 5th district, and Democrat Darcy Burner, challenging Dave Reichert in the 8th District.

Reichert is my Congressman.  As a constituent, I've got issues with Mr. Reichert.

Despite his self-promo as a "moderate",  he has up and down the line supported the Bush administration policies that harm the middle class, returning veterans, students -- and that ain't so great for the environment (drilling in ANWR etc.)  He also has been extremely lax in carrying out his responsibilities as a member of the House committee responsible for carrying out the recommendations of the 911 commission.   He simply isn't operating from an honest basis in his self-promotion, and he is not on our side -- the side of the middle class.  

In addition, he's voted to enrich big oil, pharmaceutical and other big corporate interests at the expense of the middle class.  He's simply supported corruption, voting to weaken House ethics rules to help Tom DeLay stay in power, etc.

I actually expected more of Reichert at the beginning but was very disappointed.     Darcy Burner, on the other hand, come from the middle class and a military background -- as well as being a techie -- right in line with this district's values -- and she focuses on fairness and opportunity for all.  

Just google "dave reichert"  and "rubber stamp" -- and you'll come up with great material, including Daniel Kirkdorffer's DKos series that analyzes his voting patterns and shows - that for those votes that made any difference -- he was overwhelmingly in support of Bush policies.

The other thing with Reichert are all the troubles/mismanagement with the Sheriff's dept. that he headed -- these are coming out more and more.  Here's an article by David Goldstein of Horsesass.

You can tell I'm not at all happy with Reichert.  I will be extremely happy to see him voted out.  When I was out doorbelling, a really nice couple  -- conservative independents -- told me they believed Reichert was a really nice guy -- but simply out of his element, not able to deal very well with Washington DC's corruption. Perhaps that's it.

In the 5th district, with Cathy McMorris and Peter Goldmark, the big issue is the ruination of that district's economy, the terrible difficulties the farmers have had -- and her presiding over the last several years of that, totally in synch with Bush adminisration policies that helped it along.  The ad here on Washblog -- the ruined building with her sign in front of it, very symbolic.  Peter Goldmark, on the other hand, like Darcy here in the 8th, is focused on the real economic needs of that district.  You can see in this story I wrote after meeting with Goldmark, how he is just waiting to be able to help his region heal.

As far as Richard Wright, go on over to McCranium.  Good stuff.

by noemie maxwell on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 01:04:22 PM PST

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I remember when Reichert was running and I think that alot of his appeal was on his handling of the Green River, but when I see the likes of ROve out supporting him, I would be really nervous. I feel preety lucky here since despite the Red political culture ( I live in the land of the 'Hamilton sign' on I-5), we have Brian Baird as our congress person. Thank you for the direction to steer in my research.

by lhsouthern on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 03:56:18 PM PST

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