Kaine, Murray Highlight Democratic State Convention

National Committee Chair Tim Kaine and US Senator Patty Murray headlined the Washington Democratic State Convention in Vancouver this weekend. Approximately 700 of the faithful gathered to meet and greet fellow Democrats at the start of what may or may not turn out to be a tough year for the party. Historically the party that controls the White House looses ground at the midterm elections.

Kaine alluded to the fact that he was able to attend conventions in both Washington and Oregon in the same weekend because of the luck of scheduling and the proximity of Vancouver to the Oregon border. Referring to the so called Tea Baggers wanting to take their country back, he asked "what is so great about back.anyway?"

Senator Murray spoke of new jobs created and the need to hold oil companies and Wall Street accountable for past deeds.

Particularly impressive was Jay Clough, a 33 year old Tri Cities resident who is running against long time 4th district Congressman Doc Hastings. Clough pulled no punches in a scathing attack on Hastings.

The Convention also payed tribute to retiring Congressman Brian Baird. Baird has represented the district that includes Vancouver. State Senator Craig Pridmore was chosen as Convention Chair.

There was one notable flair up amongst the delegates when during lengthy debate, a delegate moved that the platform be adopted. In spite of overwhelming approval of the move, some delegates were angry they could not tinker a little more.

Senator Murray Receives Realtor's Endorsement

Local blogger David Goldstein reports that Washington Senator Patty Murray has received the endorsement of the Washington Association Of Realtors. The group is thought to be generally Conservative but seems to respect Murray's experience in the chamber. The endorsement is a blow to Dino Rossi, a former realtor who has talked about challenging Murray for the Senate seat this fall.

Veep In Tennis Shoes?

Blogger Chris Bowers has reported that Washington Senator Patty Murray may be under consideration for a spot on the Obama ticket. The three term US Senator has been a Hilary Clinton supporter throughout the campaign and the Obama camp may be thinking of her as a means to pick up support from working class women.
This is not the first time a Washington senator has been considered for Vice President, the late Scoop Jackson was reportedly promised a spot on the Kennedy ticket, but was dumped because Lyndon Johnson brought Texas and more votes into the Democratic ticket.

Anger And Emotion Permeate Democratic Eastside Dinner

The Eastside Democratic Dinner has traditionally been a fun and affordable gathering for suburban King County Democrats. The classy dressy affair generally takes place in a Bellevue Hotel with local and national speakers giving their stock speeches. Nothing could be more different than tonight's dinner at the Bellevue Westin Hotel in Lincoln Center where an anti war protester interrupted Congressional Candidate Darcy Burner's speech and introduction of the night's main speaker, Retired Major General Paul Eaton.

The evening hosted by Rob Estes, started with Senator Patty Murray's keynote address, Senator Murray said Congress under the Democratic rule is providing over site to the war and addressing the concerns of veterans. After polite applause Senator Murray seemed to want to take a seat but was motioned to exit through what looked like the kitchen door. Darcy Burner got up to speak, and suddenly one of the guests began screaming at her about Senator Murray and the congress. Not losing her cool, Burner quietly told the man to sit down, to which he did.

General Eaton came up to speak but first allowed the protester to say his piece. The General who broke ranks with the White House, told the crowd that the Iraq war was executed incompetently by the administration. Eaton, who's son is about to be deployed in Afghanistan called for, not a victory but a thorough crushing of the GOP in November of 2008. He further went on to say that America's dependence on oil has set the stage for this war and that total withdrawal at this time would be a mistake.

I once again thank washblog for this video from the affair