Washington state megathread

[Meeker]

That was fast: Conway will run.

Prepare for a Democratic bloodbath in the race to fill his House seat.

[bgwah]

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/05/05/1418238/lyndens-mayberry-to-run-as-independent.html

lol

[Meeker]

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/05/05/1418238/lyndens-mayberry-to-run-as-independent.html

lol

Amusing. It's too bad the top-two primary won't allow him to split the Republican vote in the general

[CultureKing]

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/05/05/1418238/lyndens-mayberry-to-run-as-independent.html

lol

Amusing. It's too bad the top-two primary won't allow him to split the Republican vote in the general

How do you wind up owing $900,000 in back taxes???

[Meeker]

Silly rumor flying about that Gregoire will be appointed to replace Elena Kagan. If it happens there'd be a free-for-all general election this November to replace her.

[bgwah]

Silly rumor flying about that Gregoire will be appointed to replace Elena Kagan. If it happens there'd be a free-for-all general election this November to replace her.

It would certainly make the "Who gets to run for Governor?" question for the Republicans more interesting/entertaining.

[Meeker]

An administration official confirms her name is on the short list. Ugh.

[bgwah]

An administration official confirms her name is on the short list. Ugh.

Please no. Please. No. This is the wrong year for a Governor's race. I want to keep our 30 year spree of not electing Republicans alive!!

I can just see it now... Governor Brad Owen.

[Meeker]

Looking at the timeline a bit closer, I don't think Kagan will get confirmed until sometime in late July or early August. In order to meet the October 3rd deadline for a jungle general in November, Gregoire would need to be picked, nominated, having hearings held on and confirmed in about a two month period. Probably not going to happen. The White House may even delay the nomination a bit to allow Gregoire to resign after that date.

That does mean we'd be stuck with Brad Owen for two legislative sessions though. If that happens along with the Republicans retaking one or both chambers of the legislature... *shudder*

[Ebowed]

I can just see it now... Governor Brad Owen.

Revolting.

[bgwah]

Sonntag says he'll run for Governor if Gregoire goes: http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/205797.asp

[bgwah]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011869710_mckenna15m.html

Ugh... Just a taste of the kind of coverage the Times will give McKenna when he runs for Governor.

[Meeker]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011869710_mckenna15m.html

Ugh... Just a taste of the kind of coverage the Times will give McKenna when he runs for Governor.

At least she's a Democrat.

[Alcon]

Speaking of McKenna, has anyone seen his bizarre new ads with the Olympic medal winner?  It's awkward enough that it's a little amusing.

[Meeker]

Just saw a Paul Akers ad on network TV. I'm surprised he's managed to raise the money to do that this far out.

[Meeker]

Repost from the main thread:

One of the two most reputable blogs in Washington State is reporting that Rossi has hired a manager and will announce his campaign in about a week.

Item #2 on this page: http://www.publicola.net/2010/05/19/hyperbolic-speeches-devoid-of-content/

Candidate filing begins in two and a half weeks, FYI

[bgwah]

Repost from the main thread:

One of the two most reputable blogs in Washington State is reporting that Rossi has hired a manager and will announce his campaign in about a week.

Item #2 on this page: http://www.publicola.net/2010/05/19/hyperbolic-speeches-devoid-of-content/

Candidate filing begins in two and a half weeks, FYI

Interesting.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

What's so bad about Brad Owen?

[Meeker]

What's so bad about Brad Owen?

He spends most of his time forcing bored middle schoolers to sit through assemblies where his anti-drug themed classical rock band extols the dangers of marijuana.

Also pro-life, a moron, a fake Democrat, etc.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

What's so bad about Brad Owen?

He spends most of his time forcing bored middle schoolers to sit through assemblies where his anti-drug themed classical rock band extols the dangers of marijuana.

Also pro-life, a moron, a fake Democrat, etc.

Wow, he sounds pretty bad. I didn't know Washington had "Democrats" like that.

[bgwah]

Should this thread be moved to the Congressional board for the rest of the year?

[bgwah]

Washington Poll is out for anyone curious: http://www.washingtonpoll.org/results/MAY2010_tabs.pdf

[Meeker]

I guess I should've said this before the move occurred, but I'd really prefer this thread remain where it was. Yes the main races in Washington State this year are Congressional, but the thread is all encompassing including initiative and referendum, state legislative races and general Washington politics as well. I just think in terms of this thread's overall body of work (which is nearing the two year mark) keeping it where it was makes much more sense.

(I know you were just trying to help Joe.)

[Meeker]

It was also time for a title change.

[Landslide Lyndon]

I thought that Rossi was reluctant to go against Murray because a probable loss would mean the end of his political career. Why did he suddenly change his mind?
Does he really think that the political environment is now more toxic for the Democrats than it was 3-4 months ago?