Washington's Fourth is not on anybody's list of targeted races. Anywhere. But it should be. Here's why:
Rep. Richard "Doc" Hastings was elected to the House in 1994, in the Gingrichian wave of the Contract with America. Since then, he has been able to rest on the laurels of the "R" next to his name, doing just enough (which usually meant securing earmarks) to justify his reelection.
That ends this year.
- The 2010 election cycle is the first midterm election since Washington State instituted the "top-two" primary. Looking at previous failed campaigns gives very little insight into this election.
- With that in mind, it is worth noting that Hastings has FOUR challengers from the right: a Constitution Party candidate, a Tea Party Candidate, an Independent, and another Republican. Those candidates aren't taking any votes away from me.
- Hastings is a backbench Republican, at best. Sure, they like having a reliable vote, but the Republicans are focused on the open seat in WA-03 and protecting Dave Reichert in WA-08. Even if we were to bombard the market with ads, they're not going to go too far out of their way to protect Hastings.
- I have the backing of hard-working people. I work hard. I've put over 30,000 miles on my car in the last six months. We have knocked on over 2000 doors and held town halls in 18 towns across the district. We are doing absolutely everything that we need to be doing. Except running ads, sending mailings, running a poll.
We need the support of generous individuals across the Fourth District, across Washington State, and across the United States. So many of you have helped and continue to do so, but we're going up against a 16 year incumbent with the backing of Exxon-Mobile, Halliburton, and BP.
The fact of the matter is, this isn't going to be easy. But I didn't sign up thinking it would be easy. I came into this knowing that unseating Rep. Hastings would be, quite possibly, the hardest thing I do in my life. I am taking this on because the people of the Fourth deserve better. I need you behind me.
Here's what I'm saying on the trail. You decide for yourself if this is a campaign you can get behind.