Friday, June 09, 2006

De Ja Vu For Washington's Jr Senator

In 1970 Washington Senator Scoop Jackson ran for reelection to a Senate seat that he had held for 17 years. Although Jackson was a Democrat and had a stellar environmental record, his support of the Viet Nam war made him many enemies in his own party. Carl Maxey, a Spokane Democrat, tried to challenge him in the primary.
Fast forward to 2006, Maria Cantwell is seeking reelection, her election prospects should have been bolstered by her stand against oil drilling in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge. However Maria's support of the Gulf War has also alienated her from members of her own party.
Senator Scoop Jackson hailed from Everett. Cantwell has made her home in Mountlake Terrace, both in Snohomish County. Both have been percieved as very focused politicians. Both were Washington Junior Senators.
By the way, Scoop Jackson won his reelection that year and won a couple more elections before his sudden passing in the early 80s.

2 comments:

Dave Zarkin said...

Did you read the latest Hilary quote on the Iraq war? Very lame, indecisive blather which is quite discouraging. John Edwards and Russ Finegold have a solid position on the war that I can support. The Senate Democrats resolution on the war was quite disappointing.

Mike Barer said...

Hilary (I believe) is on record as a supporter of the Iraq conflict.