I just finished watching the debate for Washington's 5th district (www.khq.com) between first term congressional member Cathy McMorris(R) and her democratic challenger Peter Goldmark(D) (www.votepetergoldmark.com). My general impression is that both candidates played a rather conservative strategy. I am not surprised considering the make-up of this district and that it was the first debate. That being said, there were some distinct differences between the candidates, namely their positions on the Iraq war.
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Goldmark did a very good job defining his position on the issues pertinent to this district. I do think he missed and opportunity when he was asked to offer his opinion on the Demoratic's position on Iraq. Iraq is the one issue that local republicans do not want to discuss. The Iraq war is extremely unpopular in this district. Peter seemed hesitant to attack the administration. However, the door is open for him to do so in the future. McMorris on the other hand, was eager to point out that, "We have made great progress in Iraq", and further went on to say that she is not for the "cut and run" strategy that the other side supports. I was surprised that she would tie one of Bush's many anchors around her neck. In doing so she has handed Peter Goldmark a gift that will play well in this district.
For those of you unfamiliar with Washington's 5th district, it is large in area but small in population and covers most of eastern Washington. Spokane is the largest city in the district and leans moderately republican for most elections. Rural areas like in most districts remain to be stubbornly conservative. This race does not show up on many forecasts as one that can be won by the Democrats. Peter is a great candidate for this district, so don't be surprised if you see his name with a check next to it on November 7th.