Race of the day: Patty Murray vs. Dino Rossi for Senate (WA)

Name & Party:

DEMOCRAT

Patty Murray

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REPUBLICAN

Dino

Rossi

Basic Info:Three-term incumbent;

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• Wants to see "Obamacare" repealed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?":