Washington:
• The Seattle Times endorsed Sen. Patty Murray (D) for reelection over Republican Dino Rossi. The endorsement, however, “does not come lightly,” the editorial says, because Rossi “tested the incumbent vigorously and appropriately.” In reality (and given the remainder of the piece) it’s hard to believe Rossi ever had chance. An excerpt (emphasis added):
[Sic] topic by topic, Murray rises to the challenge. She believes in reasonable government help for the economy, including financial reforms to avoid another economic collapse.
Rossi joins other Republicans in opposing them. How can anyone watch the financial meltdown and not want to tighten the rules to protect the system and consumers? It’s not enough to say these weren’t the right reforms.
Murray is experienced and realistic enough to understand the federal government must rein in spending.
“We have to cut back at the federal level as well,” Murray said. “We have to tighten our belts. We know that. We do have to look at every program.” She said she voted this year to cut $14 billion from the president’s budget and reduced her own committee’s allocation. But she has much more to do.
Really? Where was this Patty Murray these past two years? And particularly telling (emphasis added):
After the horrors of 9/11, Murray courageously voted against the invasion in Iraq — the correct decision.
Some folks say she is being expedient because she then voted for military spending bills. As a daughter of a disabled World War II veteran, she says she did so to provide full equipment and protection for soldiers putting their lives on the line. On the Afghan war, Murray is more focused on ending the war and recently voted for a resolution demanding an exit strategy.
Rossi, by contrast, wants to hear more from the generals. Washington’s next senator must have a stronger desire to end the war.
• President Obama will headline a get-out-the-vote-rally for Sen. Murray in Seattle next Thursday.
• Murray has a new ad out attack Rossi for wanting to “turn back the clock” on abortion and contraceptive funding:
Wisconsin:
• On the heels of last night’s debate, a new Rasmussen poll has Ron Johnson leading Sen. Russ Feingold by seven points — 52 percent to 45 percent — among likely voters. The most telling number? Only two percent said they are undecided. At this point it’s hard to imagine how Feingold is going to close that gap in the next few weeks.
• Johnson’s newest ad counters one of Feingold’s favorite lines of attack, that Johnson supports policies that ship jobs overseas at the expense of Wisconsin workers: