Race of the day: Patty Murray vs. Dino Rossi for Senate (WA)
In Washington state, "mom in tennis shoes" Sen. Patty Murray faces a tight contest with Republican businessman Dino Rossi
Name & Party:
Patty Murray
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REPUBLICAN
Dino
Rossi
Basic Info:Three-term incumbent;
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Age: 60Fmr state legislator;
Age: 51
Issues:
- Voted for health reform bill
- Approved of economic stimulus
- Wants to extend Bush tax cuts, except for rich
- Pro-choice
- Wants to see "Obamacare" repealed
- Opposes "jobless" stimulus
- Wants to extend Bush tax cuts for all, including rich
- Pro-life
Polling At:50%47%Campaign Chest:$3.2 million$1.8 million
Key Quote:"The health system we had in place wasn't working for anyone."
"She's never had a private-sector job in her adult life."
Petty Controversy:Enraged Alabamans by suggesting that relatively few things are built or manufactured in that stateRipped the stimulus package, then toured a shipyard that had added dozens of job after getting stimulus fundsWild card:Rossi enjoys statewide name recognition many challengers can't touch — in 2004, he lost the governor's race by 133 votes, following two recounts.Dueling Ads:"Gambling": This Murray ad accuses Rossi, part-owner of a bank, of siding with Wall Street against the interests of the middle class"Which One?": This Rossi ad says that Murray cares more about the Reid-Pelosi agenda than helping Washington state
Patty Murray's "Gambling":
Dino Rossi's "Which One?":
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