Face-off clarified Senate race
The debate between Sen. Patty Murray and Dino Rossi was a perfect example of a candidate resorting to cute lines when he doesn’t have the facts at his command.
Time and again, Dino Rossi pointed out that there are “two Washingtons,” asking which one the senator served. Sen. Murray remained poised and calm, pointing out that Rossi once again didn’t answer the question, but tried to change the subject.
Television is at its best when it allows the viewer to get “up close and personal,” watching one candidate respond to questions with facts and candor. When Rossi painted the senator as someone “desperately trying to hang on to her Senate seat,” it sounded mean-spirited and petty.
Sen. Murray stuck to the facts and demonstrated her knowledge of the issues facing the citizens of Washington (this Washington, the one with the endangered Columbia River). The debate was a real service, making it easy for voters to decide who has earned re-election.
Jan Polek
Spokane