Published: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Few Republicans are strong contenders against U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in 2010
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray will be tough to unseat in 2010.
The states senior senator from Bothell is flush with $3.5 million in campaign cash and the Democrat can get much flusher given her leadership position in the chambers majority party.
Murray is a familiar political face to Washingtonians, one they tend to dislike less than other prominent officeholders.
And it doesnt hurt, at least not yet, that she channels the policies and perspectives of the most popular president among voters in this state in years.
Add up the money, clout, vibes and President Barack Obama and the resulting challenge of keeping the incumbent from winning a fourth term is much too steep for Sean Salazar or Wayne Glover to scale.
No disrespect to the two Republican candidates. Theyre simply overmatched.
Salazar, a resident of Mountlake Terrace, is a chiropractor and a U.S. Navy veteran. In 2001, while living in San Diego, he campaigned for a seat in the House of Representatives but then didnt formally file and focused instead on his professional career.
This time the conservative said he isnt backing out. Since October, hes raised about $30,000 and made 115 speeches discussing himself and his desire to repackage the Republican Party to gain support from blacks, Latinos and other minority voters.
Glover is a long-haul trucker from Spokane Valley who thus far appears to have spent more hours developing his Web site than running his campaign.
He describes himself online as a conservative who spends most of his waking hours tuned in to political talk shows on television and radio. He finds legislators driven by self-interest and has pledged hell do what they dont work for whats best for America and American citizens based on the Constitution.
State Republican Party chairman Luke Esser rightly applauds their energy and enthusiasm. But theres no way Esser wants either of these gentlemen to be the partys torchbearer next summer.
Unfortunately for Esser, at this time the proverbial bench of top-notch talent is empty.
He cant steer Republican Attorney General Rob McKennas attention from the governors mansion.
He wont pressure Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers or Rep. Doc Hastings into the race and risk losing a GOP seat in Congress.
While Essers search for the right someone may take until fall, his counterparts elsewhere in the country arent having as difficult a time.
The Hill, the daily newspaper devoted to covering Washington, D.C., reported this week recruitment of high-caliber Republican candidates for high-profile 2010 Senate races like for Obamas old seat in Illinois is going well.
Public anxiety over the recession, rising unemployment and Democratic initiatives on energy and health care are providing impetus and issues for Republicans.
Theyre getting candidates, and the polling numbers seem to be changing not so much that its pro-Republican as it is anti-Democrat, GOP consultant David Johnson of Atlanta told the paper. It could change, but its beginning to feel a lot like 2006 and 2008 did for the Democrats.
While this isnt the case in the Murray race, the trend is visible in lower-tier competitions. Just looking around Snohomish County, more Republicans are vying for city and county seats than two years ago.
Esser neednt give up hope yet. Potentially strong candidates may be tied up until Novembers election is over.
Like King County Councilman Reagan Dunn. This former assistant U.S. attorney is seeking a second term. He drew 1,200 people to his kick-off and had amassed roughly $350,000 for the contest.
And hes got the DNA of a GOP heroine; his mother is Jennifer Dunn, who served in Congress and led the state party.
If he isnt the one, another rising star may step forth.
Though waiting is tricky, it may be Essers best and only option.
Murray is a strong and well-armed incumbent. If the Republican Party is going to take a serious shot at her, they cant afford any misfires.
Read more about politics on Jerry Cornfields blog, The Petri Dish. Contact him at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
The states senior senator from Bothell is flush with $3.5 million in campaign cash and the Democrat can get much flusher given her leadership position in the chambers majority party.
Murray is a familiar political face to Washingtonians, one they tend to dislike less than other prominent officeholders.
And it doesnt hurt, at least not yet, that she channels the policies and perspectives of the most popular president among voters in this state in years.
Add up the money, clout, vibes and President Barack Obama and the resulting challenge of keeping the incumbent from winning a fourth term is much too steep for Sean Salazar or Wayne Glover to scale.
No disrespect to the two Republican candidates. Theyre simply overmatched.
Salazar, a resident of Mountlake Terrace, is a chiropractor and a U.S. Navy veteran. In 2001, while living in San Diego, he campaigned for a seat in the House of Representatives but then didnt formally file and focused instead on his professional career.
This time the conservative said he isnt backing out. Since October, hes raised about $30,000 and made 115 speeches discussing himself and his desire to repackage the Republican Party to gain support from blacks, Latinos and other minority voters.
Glover is a long-haul trucker from Spokane Valley who thus far appears to have spent more hours developing his Web site than running his campaign.
He describes himself online as a conservative who spends most of his waking hours tuned in to political talk shows on television and radio. He finds legislators driven by self-interest and has pledged hell do what they dont work for whats best for America and American citizens based on the Constitution.
State Republican Party chairman Luke Esser rightly applauds their energy and enthusiasm. But theres no way Esser wants either of these gentlemen to be the partys torchbearer next summer.
Unfortunately for Esser, at this time the proverbial bench of top-notch talent is empty.
He cant steer Republican Attorney General Rob McKennas attention from the governors mansion.
He wont pressure Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers or Rep. Doc Hastings into the race and risk losing a GOP seat in Congress.
While Essers search for the right someone may take until fall, his counterparts elsewhere in the country arent having as difficult a time.
The Hill, the daily newspaper devoted to covering Washington, D.C., reported this week recruitment of high-caliber Republican candidates for high-profile 2010 Senate races like for Obamas old seat in Illinois is going well.
Public anxiety over the recession, rising unemployment and Democratic initiatives on energy and health care are providing impetus and issues for Republicans.
Theyre getting candidates, and the polling numbers seem to be changing not so much that its pro-Republican as it is anti-Democrat, GOP consultant David Johnson of Atlanta told the paper. It could change, but its beginning to feel a lot like 2006 and 2008 did for the Democrats.
While this isnt the case in the Murray race, the trend is visible in lower-tier competitions. Just looking around Snohomish County, more Republicans are vying for city and county seats than two years ago.
Esser neednt give up hope yet. Potentially strong candidates may be tied up until Novembers election is over.
Like King County Councilman Reagan Dunn. This former assistant U.S. attorney is seeking a second term. He drew 1,200 people to his kick-off and had amassed roughly $350,000 for the contest.
And hes got the DNA of a GOP heroine; his mother is Jennifer Dunn, who served in Congress and led the state party.
If he isnt the one, another rising star may step forth.
Though waiting is tricky, it may be Essers best and only option.
Murray is a strong and well-armed incumbent. If the Republican Party is going to take a serious shot at her, they cant afford any misfires.
Read more about politics on Jerry Cornfields blog, The Petri Dish. Contact him at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
Comments
(
