Cantwell Haters

There are many things that Seattle liberals hate: the increasing price of fleece vests, driving over 25mph on arterials, and when one of their senators votes for war in the Middle East.

Senator Maria Cantwell is facing increasing pressure from those on the left because of her vote to authorize war in Iraq, bailing on an Alito filibuster, and voting to re-up the PATRIOT Act. Two weeks ago she was booed at one of her own rallies in front of Democratic golden child Barack Obama, and some of the Democratic District organizations in town have refused to read a letter she wrote them.

Although she has a comfortable lead in the polls, there is still a lot of time between now and Election Day. If this race tightens, as it is expected to do over the summer, every vote in King County will be key. In Mike! McGavick she faces a say-little moderate Republican who appeals to suburban voters. The type of candidate Christine Gregoire barely beat (wink-wink) two years ago.

She also faces a challenge from the Green Party in the form of Aaron Dixon. The Co-Founder of Seattle's chapter of the Black Panther Party who isn't exactly the voting type (Possible campaign slogan: Don't be like me, vote for me). Dixon will surely say what the disgruntled left wants to hear, and will be an attractive option for those looking to lodge a protest vote.

The P-I's Joel Connelly wonders why the left is going after Cantwell, and ignoring the right. Meanwhile, the Times thinks the Mariners new commercials are super neat.

Six years ago she became the left's hero by knocking off Slade Gorton. Now it appears she will have to convince that block of voters that she can still be their voice in Washington.