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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Olympia

And then they commenced to fightin’…

U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, a Republican, said Wednesday that he's going to try to unseat Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.
The state Democratic Party promptly blasted Nethercutt with both barrels, unleashing a four-page press release that described Nethercutt as opposing everything from homeland security to school lunches to medical care for veterans.
Party chair Paul Berendt called Nethercutt a liar and a "poodle for the national Republicans."
"Nethercutt has bigger problems than being from Eastern Washington," said Berendt, who, we can't help but note, grew up in Pend Oreille County.
Republicans, late in the day, responded.
"I want to briefly give you some information on George's background for those of you who aren't familiar with him or who have only read the state Democrats' humdinger of a news release this afternoon that portrayed George as a horrible person who is basically responsible for all the world's ills," wrote state GOP chair Chris Vance. He went on to describe Nethercutt, basically, as a hard-working, nice guy with a heart -- and a candidate who can beat Murray.
"The state Democrats' early mudslinging and name-calling is a clear indicator that they also see Patty's vulnerability," Vance wrote.
Stay tuned. Only 17 months to the election...

Short takes and breaking news from the Washington Legislature and the state capital.