This year's race could be Sen. Murray's toughest yet

Democrat Patty Murray made history in 1992 when she defeated a sitting congressman to become the state's first female U.S. senator.

She's been re-elected twice since, pretty easily both times. As she's ascended in power, she's become one of the state's most recognized, liked and liberal politicians.

This year will test the mettle of the 59-year-old Whidbey Island resident as she pursues a fourth term in the most unfriendly political environment she's yet encountered.

A survey conducted earlier this month by a national polling firm found her trailing top Republican challengers Dino Rossi and Clint Didier in head-to-head match-ups. And she barely led a third GOP opponent, Paul Akers, in results of the Rasmussen poll.

"I have been told I'm vulnerable every time I have ever run for election," she said matter-of-factly in an interview before those results became public.

She faces a greater battle than in those earlier re-election contests against Republican U.S. Reps. Linda Smith in 1998 and George Nethercutt in 2004. Ballots for the Aug. 17 primary will be mailed out Friday. The two candidates, regardless of party, receiving the most votes in the primary will advance to the November general election.

Voters are a volatile bunch this year. Across the nation, in survey after survey, they are expressing distaste for incumbents and discomfort with initiatives of the Democratic-controlled Congress and President Barack Obama.

A stagnant economy and stubborn unemployment are frustrating many. Concerns about the effects of a national health care bill, expiring tax cuts and the ongoing war in Afghanistan add to the unease in the electorate.

As Rossi and Clint Didier look to capitalize on the discontent, Murray is campaigning with a totally different algorithm.

She's not skirting her controversial votes for the national health care bill, the 2009 Recovery Act, the bank bailouts and the reforms for financial institution.

She is proud of her vote against going to war in Iraq -- though she's supported funding the conflict there and in Afghanistan -- and for a large expansion of health insurance for children.

She's not dwelling on those issues, either.

Murray has carved a place in voters' minds as a "mom in tennis shoes," and the message of her campaign -- and from her loyal supporters -- is she's still that woman 18 years later.

"She hasn't put on the high heels and big attitude," said Marshia Armstrong, a Stanwood Democrat. "She is still one of us."

Murray speaks energetically about helping to create the Wild Sky Wilderness near Index, open an outpatient medical clinic for veterans in the Northwest region and battle to give the Boeing Co. a shot at the aerial refueling tanker contract.

Didier and Rossi blast her for her penchant for requesting earmarks and insist they won't seek any. They charge she's steering money to pet projects that if truly worthy would get funded without any string pulling.

"When I fight for spending in our state, whether it's for a veterans center or whether it's for a road project or whether it's for a YMCA that's housing domestic violence victims, I am fighting for the people in my state," Murray said.

Few in the Senate -- and likely no one in this race -- can match Murray's fundraising prowess.

Her success is due to her power: She is in the leadership of the Senate Democratic caucus, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and chairwoman of the subcommittee overseeing transportation spending.

As of June 30, she had $6.8 million on hand of the $11.5 million she's hauled in since the 2004 election. By comparison, Rossi had $1.35 million, Didier $103,000 and Akers $13,000.

Murray, who's evolved into a political professional, said she returns home on weekends, often winding up in the supermarket getting an earful from constituents about things in need of fixing.

"I have been given a tremendous opportunity," she said. "I love solving problems for people and helping out communities."