Nethercutt’s idea for airport debate doesn’t fly

SEATAC, Wash. – Republican Congressman George Nethercutt tried to surprise his opponent Sen. Patty Murray with an impromptu debate at the baggage claim area of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

But Murray, who arrived on the same plane as Nethercutt, left by another exit.

“It’s a big airport,” said Alex Glass, a spokeswoman for the Washington state Democrat seeking a third six-year term. She said Murray did not purposely dodge the meeting.

Nethercutt, a five-term Republican representing the 5th District, has been frustrated because Murray has agreed to only two debates. He has called for at least nine debates, one in each of the state’s congressional districts.

Nethercutt is trailing in fund raising and the polls.

The showdown Friday was planned when workers on Nethercutt’s campaign learned he and Murray were on the same flight from Washington, D.C.

Two dozen sign-waving Nethercutt supporters staked out the airport and his campaign invited reporters to come and see “a fair, unscripted debate on the issues important to Washington state.”

On Friday, Nethercutt aides scrambled to find Murray. For a while, they staked out a black sport-utility vehicle they thought was involved.

When it became clear she had taken another exit, Nethercutt said he still hoped for more debates.

“This would have been a good spot,” he said, standing near the baggage claim.

Nethercutt said she left the plane before he did, and he didn’t see where she went.

Democratic Congressmen Jim McDermott of Seattle and Jay Inslee of Bainbridge Island, who were also on the flight, waved and smiled as they passed the Nethercutt crowd.

The two scheduled Nethercutt-Murray debates will be held Oct. 15 in Spokane and Oct. 20 in Seattle.