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.