My own concerns with Dave Reichert's re-elect chances have been stated, but one takeaway from the Cascade Conference was a reminder of how much of Reichert's strength lies in traits not often expressed in the traditional campaign grind of poll numbers, fundraising, and the latest political shot of the day.
Darcy Burner's campaign engaged in a much-discussed effort to convince voters that Reichert is attached at the hip to the partisan stereotype of George "Cowboy" Bush. The problem was that voters never quite seemed to fully embrace the notion that Reichert is an obstinate political hack, even if independent voters were clearly unhappy with Republicans in 2006.
Indeed, Reichert's independence was on display today. He led off with a discussion of trade as a benefit to Washington state that does (or at least should) defy partisan interests. He also made clear his other top agenda items are health care and energy policy, two-must haves for the 2008 cycle. Furthermore, he talked about his work with a bi-partisan health care reform group co-chaired by Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Rep. Mike Castle (R-DL), two well-known moderates. Hardly the operational choice of an extremist.
Another character trait on display was Reichert's humility. He admitted he doesn't like asking people for money. He gave more credit to others on Wild Sky, like Democrat Rick Larsen, than to himself. And emphasized he approaches legislation with an "open mind," seeking to vote the way he thinks is right, not based on simply what the party wants.
Having seen Reichert speak multiple times to utterly disparate groups I can attest his speaking style and approach to politics doesn't vary. What you see is what you get. Thus, voters at forums, town halls, and other opportunities to interact with him are consistently seeing this same dedicated, sincere, humble public servant. Moreover, that reputation has by now been confirmed through multiple, successful runs for office.
Consequently, the idea that Reichert is a pig-headed, stubborn, uncaring acolyte of George W. Bush doesn't quite sell with many independent voters not otherwise set on voting Democratic in the race. It doesn't match with the reputation he holds in the community, just like Republicans couldn't convince voters in Mississippi that Travis Childers is a Barack Obama liberal once he had established his own conservative Democrat bona fides.
Combine that with what Seattle Times editorial columnist Kate Riley described at the conference as a "lack of authenticity" on Burner's part and you have why Reichert survived the Democratic wave of 2006. Now Burner is running on an Iraq plan that would need to be implemented by the President not Congress. Meanwhile, she has yet to articulate a domestic agenda - just as she failed to do so in 2006 - as voters are turning their attention to the economy, health care, etc.
Reichert does face a very tough re-elect. If he succeeds, it will be because the intangibles of his service compared to Darcy Burner's light community resume once again outweigh partisan banter, which Democrats might be better funded to promulgate this cycle in any case.
Posted by Eric Earling at May 17, 2008 07:26 PM | Email ThisReichert's only problem, strangely, is that he simply doesn't have the killer instinct. He's too much of a nice guy. Anybody who knows him can attest to this, he's Mr. Rogers with muscles and a gun. If someone with a political killer instinct were running against Burner, it wouldn't be close.
That said, I agree he'll prevail for the exact reasons you say.
Posted by: Cliff on May 17, 2008 09:08 PMReichert needs to get in front of this, even if it pains him. He needs to get into the community and talk to real people. He needs to get himself in the paper in news stories as the real person he is. I may not agree with his stances on many issues, but he is the perfect candidate for the 8th. He just needs to tell someone.
Posted by: janet s on May 17, 2008 10:06 PMMeanwhile, your statement, "Now Burner is running on an Iraq plan that would need to be implemented by the President not Congress" is simply wrong. Burner's Iraq plan is made up of existing legislation that Congress must pass. This is nation's government is of the people, by the people and for the people, not the Executive Branch, but perhaps the Bush administration has made you forget that.
Posted by: Daniel K on May 17, 2008 11:38 PMThen he supported killing off Schiavo over the wishes of her parents and questionable circumstances. Note the hard attitude with respect to innocent people, but Ridgeway (killed 3 dozen women) is enjoying his cable TV, wonderful dietary plan meals, work out room, and living the rest of his pathetic life out in comfort - with the full support of Reichert.
Reichert has a well known history of taking the longest time in history to solve a mass murder case with the most evidence and most resources. Other than that and a nasty temper, Reichert was a great sheriff. Short of Ridgeway walking into to Reichert's office and giving himself up, it's hard to think of more evidence that could have been provided to Reichert since Ridgeway was picked out 7 times.
Posted by: John McDonald on May 18, 2008 07:09 AMBurner's only real qualifications are graduation from Camp Wellstone and convincing herself that she really, really wants to be in Congress. Successful candidates set up for political office with notable career moves, law degrees, substantial public service, etc. Burner did none of the above. She wants the drive-through candidacy, and has taken the fast track by simply jumping on to various lefty bandwagon issues.
Burner is as disingenuous as it gets. And voters sensed that, and voted for Reichert. That contest was far more about electability and personality than politics, and this one will be too. If Burner still has any serious aspirations for politics, she ought to get a speaking coach, and image consultant, and probably go back and finish something, anything, so she appears legitimate.
PS- The Ames Lake Homeowners Association does not count as public service.
Posted by: Jeff B. on May 18, 2008 07:36 AMAgree totally except you elevate her status by referring to the Ames Lake Community Club as a Homeowners Association. People are elected to HOA boards, and there are responsibilities of service in the positions. The Ames Lake Community Club is voluntary in membership and board servitude. It's sole responsibility is handing out keys to our locked co-owned beach, and renting a porta-potty for same.
Burner is nothing but a leftist bag of wind in a pant suit.
Posted by: ameslaker on May 18, 2008 08:02 AMIf you don't think Darcy will vote as she's told, why do you think it is that she hasn't come out and supported either Hillary or Obama yet? She's nothing but a party hack and is waiting to see who is going to be giving the marching orders. She doesn't seem to realize that it's the people of the 8th district that she should be listening to and not the likes of Dwight Pelz, Howard Dean, or NARAL.