Welcome to the Finish Line

Last minute phone calls being made on behalf of the candidates

It appears that Patty Murray has won the 2010 Washington Senate race, but there are still hundreds of thousands of ballots that must be counted. "It’s still close, she’s still ahead and both campaigns still claim victory will be theirs." (heraldnet.com) As of Wednesday night, Murray was ahead with 50.8 percent of the votes while Rossi held 49.2 percent.

Though Rossi leads in 30 of the 39 counties, Murray is clearly winning in King County where most of the democratic votes will come from and Snohomish County. Murray holds "a 27,000-vote advantage out of 1.62 million counted statewide as of 8 p.m. Wednesday." (heraldnet.com)

This election would be Murray' fourth term in the Senate or would make Rossi the first Republican to represent Washington in decades. Much was resting on this campaign which contributed to the large amount of spending from both parties. They raised nearly $23 million collectively and were ranked third in the nation for outside groups contributing money.

Though both candidates have not spoken to people in Washington, their campaign managers sent out a plan of how they would win. Because there are so many ballots not counted yet, Rossi's managers believe he has a fighting chance, however, representatives for Murray pointed out that the majority of uncounted ballots are from counties where either Murray has already clearly won or she is definitely favored. Through predictions of the uncounted ballots, it is reported that Murray will win by 1.5 percent. Rossi's representatives fired back with the fact that this race is too close to call just yet. Pat Shortridge said "that Republican candidates improve their percentages in counts of later-arriving ballots." (heraldnet.com)

As the ballots continue to come in and the votes continue to be counted, will it be enough to put Rossi in the lead or will Murray take her place back in Congress? “'Their theories are plausible,'” said David Ammons, spokesman for Secretary of State Sam Reed’s. “'We think with the gap at 1 percent, we’re willing to sit and watch some more votes to be counted before we think it’s a done deal.'” (heraldnet.com)

Spending...and time is almost up

Are you ready to vote? Do you know who you are voting for? Its getting down to the wire, and the insults and accusations are flying but so are the explanations and arguments.

Image from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39880367

“Murray said she listens every day to the concerns of ordinary Washingtonians and uses her clout to solve their problems in the Capitol. Washington State is my family, and my family is hurting," she said. She blamed the economic morass facing families on "mistakes and greed on Wall Street" and said she'd "take on even the most powerful to make sure you have a voice at the table" as decisions on getting the country back to work are made.”

“But Rossi, the former state senator and two-time GOP contender for governor, accused Murray of being part of an entrenched power structure in Washington, D.C. He said Murray had been changed by her years in office and questioned which Washington she now represents.

"You have a senator who says one thing in Washington state and does another in Washington, D.C.," Rossi said, citing her votes on the health-care and financial overhauls and other measures he said are jacking up the federal debt.”

(http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013165261_debate15m.html)

Its difficult to look at this information and see the truth, you have one candidate saying she is doing everything for the people in Washington and that no matter what she is trying to help Washington. While the other is saying that she may have started out as wanting to help but now she isn’t.

No matter what the candidates think of each other and their politics, there is one thing that seems to be agreed upon and that’s the spending involved in this election.

“Independent groups have poured more money into the race between Sen. Patty Murray and Dino Rossi than in all but two Senate contests, a flood of spending that reflects both a tight battle and the role of large — and secretive — donors in this year's elections. Independent groups have paid for more than $12 million in advertising on behalf of either Murray or Rossi, according to the latest tally from the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonprofit government watchdog group.”

(http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013257531_outsidemoney26m.html)

They both may have money storming in but their supporters couldn’t by more different.

“Sen. Patty Murray and her Republican challenger, Dino Rossi, disagree on virtually every major issue. And many of their campaign donors don't seem to have much in common, either. Murray's latest fundraising report shows that some of her heaviest support has come from lawyers, government employees and executives at nonprofit groups, health-care companies and biotechnology firms. That's in contrast to Rossi, who counts real-estate developers, venture capitalists, Wall Street executives and auto dealers among his biggest donors.” (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013228071_murray22m.html)

And finally with everything coming to an end, the big question is who is in the lead?

“Murray was ahead 49-48 in the poll taken Tuesday through Thursday, a difference within the poll’s margin of error.”
(http://www.theolympian.com/2010/10/30/1420879/murray-holds-slim-lead-over-rossi.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

The Race is Almost Finished

 

As the race comes to an end, it is clear that this is one of the most important elections of our time. It has been stated by several individuals that this race will confirm whether or not Americans are pleased with the progress that has taken place. Americans are taking this opportunity to send a message to President Obama with either vote they cast. This election could very well determine if the House and Senate remain Democratic or if Americans feel that more change is needed. 

"Independent groups have poured more money into the race between Sen. Patty Murray and Dino Rossi than in all but two Senate contests, a flood of spending that reflects both a tight battle and the role of large — and secretive — donors in this year's elections." (Seattletimes.nwsource.com) It has been estimated that nearly 12 million dollars collectively have been donated by independent groups for both Patty Murray and Dino Rossi. Over this past election cycle, 168 million dollars have been donated to Republican candidates from conservative groups nation wide. "Liberal groups outside of Democratic Party committees have spent $75 million." (seattletimes.nwsource.com) Rossi has received 6.9 million dollars in independent expenditures while Murray has received 5.2  million dollars. "The heavy spending by third-party groups in the Washington Senate race is unusual but not surprising, said Bill Allison, editorial director of the Sunlight Foundation, a government transparency group in Washington, D.C." (seattletimes.nwsource.com) This race is so fascinating because both candidates believe they can win. There is equal opportunity for both and ultimately the results will set the stage for our state in the coming years.

Everyone is very aware of the importance of this elections and voters in Snohomish County aren't taking their time in having their voices heard. According to the Everett Herald, "For 71,598 voters in Snohomish County, the election is over." 18.9 percent of the voters in Snohomish County sent in their ballots Tuesday morning. "Snohomish County Auditor Carolyn Weikel said Tuesday she didn’t anticipate such a high rate of return with a full week to go in voting." (heraldnet.com) Although almost all of the ballots in Snohomish County are arriving by mail, about 13,000 ballots have been counted coming from 24-hour drop boxes.  The returning number of ballots in King County is a little bit different.  Only 164,126 out of 1,073,317 ballots have been returned. That is roughly 15.29 percent. “'We’re a little bit under what we anticipated but not dramatically so,' said Chief Communications Officer Kim van Ekstrom. 'Everything is still on target.'” (heraldnet.com)

Fight Fire with Fire....the fight continues

With the election winding down the ads on TV and everywhere else are in full swing. And the senate race or should I say fight is in full swing as well.

"America is in trouble," Rossi told a Rotary Club luncheon crowd. "If we don't have a course correction in this election we're going to wake up 24 months from now in a country we don't even recognize.” (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013120903_rossi10m.html)

Rossi is using the idea that he is the better of two evils, that unless a change is made there are going to be problems, and he is really positioning himself as the one who can be that change.

          “Democrats charge there is nothing fresh about Rossi, citing his connections to George W. Bush and Karl Rove to suggest he'd just hand the country back to the same group responsible for running the economy into the ground.”

( http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013120903_rossi10m.html)

          While Dino Rossi is seen as the change that we so desperately need by some Patty Murray is seen as "She is an old-fashioned, pork-barrel liberal," said Chris Vance, a Republican political consultant. "That seems out of step with the times."

( http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013059595_murrayprofile03m.html)

And according to others she only got this job in the first place because of “sheer effort and moxie” (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013059595_murrayprofile03m.html)

While each candidate is being looked at in a certain light there views and opinions seem to provide a little bit of understanding into who they really are.

For example:

-Dino Rossi wants to keep out illegal immigrants with “a tall fence with a tall gate.”

( http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2012952511_senateimmigration21m.html)

-Patty Murray apposes building a fence around the Mexico border.

-Murray voted against declaring English the nation’s official tongue as well.

And those are just a few; they disagree on taxes, abortion, and the economy. So really you’re either on one side or the other, their isn’t much of a middle ground in this election.

It so close that the big guys are starting to come in to influence everyone”

“President Barack Obama was in Seattle Thursday - his second campaign visit for Murray in as many months and former President Bill Clinton was in Everett for the Democrat earlier in the week. On Friday former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao stumped for Rossi, visiting local business Dunn Lumber and meeting with reporters.”

( http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/225895.asp)

The Election Continues...

President Obama and Senator Murray greet a packed arena including an extra 3,000 people standing outside of the University of Washington Stadium in the overflow section.

Today in Seattle, President Obama declared that the November 2nd congressional elections "will set the direction of this state and of this country for years to come." (HeraldNet.com) Obama called out to his voters from 2008, pleading with them to vote. He exclaimed, "You need to go right after this rally, fill out that ballot and mail it in today. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but today. Let's get this done."

Recently the President has increased his campaigning for fellow democrats in fear of losing their control of the House and Senate. The President strives to reach first time voters and encourages them to take actions and vote for what he calls progress opposed to failure. Their is controversy whether or not Obama will effect the votes. Some argue that he will while others say they will use their vote to send a message to Obama. It is clear that the economic crisis makes this election difficult for Democrats. 

Senator Murray said, "This election is about pushing forward.  It's about putting middle-class families ahead of special interests. It's about putting Main Street ahead of Wall Street." She proclaimed that Dino Rossi was a "Di-NO" and adding that he has consistently opposed everything the Obama administration has attempted to do.

Dino Rossi has kept busy campaigning as well. On Friday he toured an "aerospace company in Kent... and said Democratic policies are creating economic uncertainty that discourages businesses from expanding and hiring more workers." (seattletimes.nwsource.com) Rossi has also planned a news conference later on today where he plans to address "Murray's billions in federal earmarks." (seattletimes.nwsource.com) He believes that this has increased the deficit.

On Tuesday, Rossi released the first in a series of 15-second statewide television ads created to point out the mistakes Murray has made. The full script of the ad titled, "Murray's Mistakes: #3" is as follows:

Voiceover: “Murray’s Mistakes: Number Three.
“Patty Murray voted to give Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants.
“And how does this help Washington?
“It doesn’t.”
Dino Rossi: “I’m Dino Rossi and I approved this message.”

The election continues to be a close race, who will win is still in the air. I am certain, however, that President Obama is correct in saying this election will set the direction for this state and nation for several years to come.

Rossi and Murray go Head to Head

image from ( http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/oct/14/rossi-murray-square-off-on-taxes/?print)

Last Thursday Murray and Rossi came together in Spokane for the first debate of this election. The debate centered “on tax cuts, and the role of the government” according to the Komonews article by Nicholas Geranios.

            "If Mr. Rossi gets his way and extends the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans to the tune of almost $1 trillion, there is no way to sustain the programs so important to us," Murray said. "You can count on me to make sure our parents are taken care of."  

            Being the underdog these debates are more important to Rossi, however it seems most voters were not shifted one way or another and that who they were voting for before the debate is the same person they are voting for afterwards.

            Rossi was not happy with the way the debate went, taking a quote from the Seattle times article any minds changed by last night’s Rossi-Murray Senate Debate by Jim Brunner "We didn't get asked any questions about bailouts or financial reform or earmarks or anything like that, but we had a number of other questions that were more localized over here in Eastern Washington," Rossi told reporters.

            On both the war in Afghanistan and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring gays from serving openly in military, Murray said clearly what her views are. She wants to pressure the Obama administration to withdraw from Afghanistan and she backs repeal of "don't ask, don't tell."

Rossi said he'd defer to the military on both subjects. He said it's a mistake to publicize a withdrawal date for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, because terrorists will simply go into hiding until then. And he said he's waiting for a forthcoming report from the Pentagon on the consequences of ending "don't ask, don't tell." Both these quotes are courtesy of the Seattle Times article that I mentioned above.

Sunday Night, the two had a second debate in Seattle. Rossi seemed to hold the attention during this debate, while Murray kind of stumbled along. Although Murray did seem to establish the I’m a “mom in tennis shoes” image she was trying to reintroduce into voters minds instead of the “D.C. power broker hell-bent on an agenda and insensitive to frustration it has caused among the populace” according to Everett Herald article Rossi comes alive in second debate by Jerry Cornfield. Even though Rossi seemed to be the leader in this debate, he still would not answer whether he was for or against repealing the “dont ask dont tell” policy.

In conclusion, the debate in Spokane was fairly civilized and although Rossi didn’t like the way the questions went, both candidates seemed to be focused on what they wanted to say to the public. Rossi with his icy smile permanently smeared across his face and Murray with her signature scowl or game face on during the entire debate. In Seattle although Murray did hold onto her dominate roll that she had in Spokane she seemed to get her point across that she isnt the person people have made her out to be, however it has been mentioned that Sundays debate could push the unsure voters into voting for Rossi. However we won’t know for sure until the votes are in.

Dino Rossi and Patty Murray

As the Senate election in Washington State gets closer and closer, it is important to know who each representative is and what they stand for. Each candidate has been given a label, but what do we really know about the "businessman" Dino Rossi or the "mom in tennis shoes" Patty Murray?

Dino Rossi

Dino Rossi was born in Washington State. He earned a business degree from Seattle University. Rossi served in the State Senate representing the 5th legislative district from 1997 to 2003. He ran for Governor in 2004, but lost on the third count by a close 129 votes. He ran for Governor once more in 2008, but he could not "overcome the Democratic wave that swept the nation that fall." (dinorossi.com) Shortly after, Rossi joined a commercial real estate firm. He could not, however, stay away from politics. He saw the trouble our nation was in and decided to run for the the 2010 US Senate. Some of Dino Rossi's goals are to promote economic growth and create jobs, fix our health care, reform our tax code, reduce government spending, lessen America's dependence on energy, control the border and fix immigration, and to defend America and its allies. 

Patty Murray

Born in Washington State, Patty Murray was educated in the Bothell public school districts and earned her Bachelor's degree from Washington State University in Arts. Patty Murray is no beginner when it comes to politics. She was the the first woman to serve in the Washington State Senate in 1992. She currently serves as the Senate's Conference Secretary along with serving on many other committees. Being the daughter of a WWII veteran has led her to take action on behalf of our nation's veterans. "Since 9/11, Senator Murray has paid special attention to ensuring that our nation is protected by working to improve the security of our nation’s ports and the cargo they receive." (pattymurray.com) Senator Murray has positioned herself as an advocate for our nation's education system. She promotes economic development and encourages job growth as she works on the Appropriations Committee. These are just a few of the contributions Senator Murray has made.