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

U.S. Senator

Related Coverage, Page 5

Poll suggests Murray ahead of Rossi

OLYMPIA – Democrat incumbent Patty Murray leads Republican challenger Dino Rossi in a “highly partisan” race, a new poll by Elway Research Inc., suggests. If they were voting today, half of the 500 likely voters contacted by the company between last Thursday and Sunday said they’d vote for Murray, who is seeking her fourth term; 41 percent said they’d vote for Rossi, a former state senator and two-time gubernatorial candidate.

Elway Poll: Murray 50%/Rossi 41%

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Spin Control: So far, Rossi stiff-arming Didier on pledge

Clint Didier, who placed third in last month’s U.S. Senate primary, released a long letter to supporters last week explaining why he still can’t endorse fellow Republican Dino Rossi, who finished second. Although from the letter, one might argue that Didier doesn’t consider Rossi a fellow Republican, at least not until Rossi makes certain statements about taxes, federal spending and abortion. By trying to dictate terms, Didier is putting Rossi in a very strange position.

WA Senate candidates mark 9/11

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Didier still not endorsing Rossi

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Raising money on Sept. 11

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Rossi’s earmark stance questioned

Republican Dino Rossi’s latest television commercial repeats an objection to certain types of federal spending known as earmarks that has become a hallmark of his campaign against incumbent U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. That seems odd, state Sen. Lisa Brown, a Spokane Democrat, argued Thursday. When Rossi oversaw the state’s budget as a member and eventually chairman of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee, it had the legislative equivalent of earmarks and he didn’t object.

Brown challenges Rossi on earmarks

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Republicans absent from corridor celebration

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Federal funds advance North Side corridor

As leaders gathered Tuesday to celebrate the start of a phase of North Spokane Corridor construction paid for by the 2009 federal stimulus package, state officials said they will be ready if President Barack Obama’s plan for $50 billion for transportation projects wins support. “We’re not sure what all is in that package, but you can bet that the state of Washington will compete and compete hard for those dollars,” said Paula Hammond, the state Secretary of Transportation, speaking at a ceremony held on what soon will be the southbound side of the North Spokane Corridor.

More buildings in freeway’s path set for removal

While construction work continues on the North Spokane Corridor north of Francis Avenue, more vacant homes will be torn down this fall in central Spokane to make room for freeway work that won’t be done until leaders figure out how to pay the $1.6 billion needed to complete it. This summer, the state Department of Transportation awarded contracts to tear down about 50 structures – mostly houses – in the way of the proposed expansion of Interstate 90 and ramps designed to connect I-90 to the north-south freeway.

Rossi campaign waged losing battle over veterans

OLYMPIA – Candidates with at least half a brain rarely pick a fight they cannot win. So it seemed odd last week when a Seattle television station reported Dino Rossi was challenging Sen. Patty Murray on veterans issues and alleging the federal government was “spending recklessly” on veterans programs. Not only does Murray have a campaign commercial with a slew of veterans singing her praises, but she has a reputation for actually working on an issue to which most members of Congress merely pay lip service. It’s a recognized strength, sort of like recruiting point guards at Gonzaga.

Murray v. Rossi on veterans

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Dino Rossi: Champ of Freedom?

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WA Sen race: Murray accepts 2 debates

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Akers endorses Rossi

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Didier wants commitments from Rossi

Unsuccessful Senate candidate Clint Didier set conditions Friday for endorsing fellow Republican Dino Rossi in the race against incumbent Democrat Patty Murray. Rossi must take strong positions against abortion, taxes and government spending, said Didier, who finished third in Tuesday’s primary.

WA Senate race Friday update

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Didier holds off on Rossi endorsement

Tea party favorite Clint Didier says he won’t endorse fellow Republican Dino Rossi in the Senate race against Patty Murray unless Rossi agrees to take strong positions against abortion, taxes and government spending.

Murray begins fall race in Spokane

Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray on Thursday stressed her support for programs in Eastern Washington and new financial regulations approved by Congress as she opened her general election campaign Thursday with a speech in Spokane. “I’m here to tell you Wall Street’s and big banks’ money cannot buy my vote now or any day ever. I will always fight for you,” she said in her 20-minute speech.