I just want to get local for a minute here in Central Washington.
George Fearing, is the Democratic candidate for the seat occupied by one of the most vile republicans in congress, Richard 'Doc' Hastings. Hastings made a career out of lock-step party line politics and inside work for the republican machine, yet somehow avoided being sunk by the good ship Tom Delay when it went down.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) lists Doc as the fifth most corrupt congressperson on a bipartisan list of unethical members. He is coincidentally the former chair and now ranking republican on the House Ethics Committee. Say What?
Seems like a no-brainer that Doc's job would be on the line here. Well, sadly, even though there has been some money raised by the Fearing Campaign, and a well organized grass-roots effort by the local party, Fearing is doomed to lose unless the national party recognizes the need to excise the last vestiges of the old Delay machine.
On paper, this is a difficult task. WA-04 ( Yakima and the Tri-Cities) is Red-Town personified. There is a large Latino population that historically has not voted here, and a large ultra Right-Wing Christian population that invariably vote republican regardless of the circumstance. The national economic crisis has not yet impacted the District to the extent of other places in the country, but is just beginning to be felt.
However, George Fearing is an excellent candidate, he is at virtually every event in both the Tri-Cities and Yakima, and is not afraid to approach anyone, Republican or Democrat and share his views. His opponent Doc (ironically not really a doctor he has High School ed. only!!) does not campaign in his arrogance.
Here's the rub: I have seen no polling here whatsoever, and advertisement beyond yard signs is minimal. Phone banking and knocking on doors can work but we need more people. I would urge fellow Kossacks in WA-04 or anywhere in washington who want to help us, call or visit our campaign office at 1101B West Yakima Ave. and meet field organizer Zach Wurtz (509/469-9268) to volunteer.
We need Doc to lose. The country needs Doc to lose.