As most of you know, Congressman Brian Baird is not seeking re-election in 2010. That puts WA-03 in "open seat" territory. This year we have a chance to elect a progressive Dem to fill the seat. State Senator Craig Pridemore is that candidate.
Craig's primary opponents are cut from the corporate dem wing of the party. We have the chance to change that. We can elect a dem that will stand up for us. A dem who is not afraid to cast the
tough votes. A dem who with the GOP will not vote with the GOP the party of in the words of Jon DeVore at Horse's Ass, the party of nothingness, nihilism, and nuts to score a cheap political point at the expense of the State's economy.
Craig is a candidate that we can be very proud to support. The Washington State Labor Council released their compilation of the 3rd CD Dem candidates overall voting records and Craig has the highest voting record. His lifetime voting record for labor issues in the State Senate is ninety-eight percent (98%)! He is a candidate that will continue that pattern in Congress.
So that you can meet Craig, he has a video out to introduce himself and explain why he is running.
This morning, Craig will receive the endorsement of Blue America PAC. As noted by Jon DeVore,
Pridemore is one of only three US House candidates endorsed by Blue America so far this cycle. The others are Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Florida, who has earned national renown for his blunt criticism of conservative lunacy, and CA-36 candidate Marcy Winograd, who is waging a spirited primary against Rep. Jane Harman, D-War Machine.
Blue America highlights the fact that what impressed them was Craig's attitude.
This is what impressed them.
"the conventional wisdom up here is that a Democrat can't win if he/she stands for Democratic values. I am absolutely committed to changing that perception and to make WA-03 a reliable, progressive seat in the future."
Craig Pridemore
He has also received the endorsement of Democracy For Vancouver
If you would like to meet Craig, he will be online at 11AM PST over at crooksandliars.
This will be an expensive campaign. WA-03 is a large district that covers the southwest corner of the State and is bordered by the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. We are also a pure toss-up District with CQ Politics rating this race in the "Toss Up" category. Cook Political Report puts the PVI at 0! That's right zero! This will be a highly competitive race for both the primary and the general.
The 3rd CD deserves a Congressman who will stand with us.
We can show some love to Craig by donating through Blue America (don't forget to include your $.01!) or through his campaign site. He also has a Facebook group and a another Facebook group that you can join.
Update: Angie in WA State noted in the comments about Craig's position on the Bennet letter. His response to her questionC&L chat was this:
Healthcare Reform
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 11:25 — Angie in WA State
State Senator (for a while longer yet) Pridemore -
Because Healthcare is such a big issue now, I am compelled to ask you for your thoughts on the most current incarnation of the debate on the Public Option being rolled out through the letter sent by Sen. Bennett and 3 other Senators to the Majority Leader (Sen. Reid) and which now has, according to the WhipCongress.com website, 20 Senators (not including either Sen. Cantwell or Sen. Murray) who have signed onto the letter (which requests Majority Leader Reid bring a Reconciliation Bill to the Senate floor with the Public Option in it).
Would you, if you were currently in the US Congress, sign onto this letter or one like it?
Thanks - and I have great hopes that you will be our next US Representative for the 3rd CD.
reply
Absolutely! New
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 11:27 — CraigPridemore
I was very disappointed when single payer was removed from the table from the very beginning of the discussion. It was clearly the right solution to the problem. Lacking that, the public option at least gave us a realistc chance to contain costs. Without it, I don't think we've truly reformed the system.