Doug Roulstone, the Republican candidate against Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2nd), is having a couple big events in the next several days. One with Newt Gingrich in Everett on July 15th, and another with Interior Secretary and former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne on July 13th in Mt. Vernon (info for the Gingrich event is at the campaign website, where you can also find contact information to contact the campaign about the Kempthorne event). These events are yet more evidence this race remains one to keep an eye on in the coming months.
The respected Cook Political Report has this race on its list of races to watch, as does noted analyst Larry Sabato at the Center for Politics. I essentially concur with the latter's summary of the race:
Three-term Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen's unconvincing 50 to 46 percent win over Republican Norma Smith in 2002 earned him a place on future Republican target lists in this Snohomish County-based district. Although the GOP failed to field a top recruit in 2004, they believe retired Navy officer Doug Roulstone will mount a competitive bid for this seat in 2006. This is a classic "swing" district, but Larsen's large cash advantage and considerable incumbency put him in the driver's seat for now in this race.
Roulstone has a great resume to run for Congress, especially in the 2nd District, and is running on some great themes. But he does need to raise more money, and his campaign organization could use some pointers. Example: there is no "Issues" section at his webpage for an easy perusal of what Doug is running on, just a long letter in the "In Doug's Words" section. Also, the "Endorsements" section includes way to many out-of-state Members of Congress. Those are nice to have and all, but short of Members like Sen. McCain, I don't see the value of clogging up the website for the average voter, curious about endorsements from more local figures.
In the meantime, I trust the Gingrich event in particular will help bring in some cash. Newt of course is much maligned in the press, but despite his faults when serving as Speaker of the House, remains one of the more interesting thinkers in the national conservative community, and one of the most engaging speakers on the circuit - though please don't get me going on people taking him seriously as a Presidential candidate. If you have the interest and the means, I'd recommend attending.
I think this race is competitive. Doug Roulstone is extremely appealing and the power players are lining up appropriately behind him.
In any event, this will prove to be much more challenging for Rick Larsen, than will be the lightweight candidacy of Darcy Burner against Dave Reichert in the 8th district.
Posted by: Richard Pope on July 12, 2006 08:25 AMHe's been in Congress for more years than he lived in Washington Sate before getting elected.
He moved to Washington to be a lobbyists, a year later he was elected to the Snohomish County Council and a year after that to Congress.
I just don't understand why our state (Democrats) elect so many out of state poltical opportunists to high office, California Cantwell among them.
Aren't any D's who are from Washington interested in running?
Posted by: Life Long Washingtonian on July 12, 2006 10:53 AMI agree that listing all the out of state endorsements essentially clogs up the webpage, and w/ the exception of McCain, I'm more interested in who supports Roulstone locally
Is there a reason Roulstone's receipts are through 6/30/2006 and Larsen is 3/31/2006?
In looking at Larsen's website he appears to be a nice guy and type of person you would want as a neighbor, but I would prefer to have Roulstone represent me in Congress
Posted by: Green Lake Mark on July 12, 2006 10:56 AMPut your money where your mouth is. ROULSTONE FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN OFFICE: 1410 BICKFORD AVE, SNOHOMISH, WA
As far as out-of-state endorsements, isnt it great to have a first-timer running for Congress that can line up endorsements from members of Congress from across the nation, based on his past career and performance? I bet Larsen didnt have that the first time he ran. Sort of difficult to do without a national presence. Eric's criticism is UNFOUNDED.
Posted by: BCA on July 12, 2006 11:31 AMDidn't Larsen go to school in Snohomish County?
Posted by: swatter on July 12, 2006 12:34 PMLarsen stands to lose big time. Cantwell can't get her campaign going. And Burner is pretty much toast.
There is no presidential candidate, like Kerry to lead the ticket.
Larsen has to please both the anti-war left and the moderate pro-war democrats to get re-elected. Since he has lined up with the moderates, many on the hard left, who worked for him in the past, will be sitting on their hands now.
On top of that many on the right are aching to vote against the democrats following the shenanigans in 2004 with Christine Gregoire.
That being said, that doesn't change the fact that the endorsement page of the website would be more effective in influencing undecided voters visiting the page if it emphasized respected community leaders. For example, I see none of the seven GOP state legislators in the 2nd CD on that page. One would think they are easy endorsements to get, and much more relevant to voters in the district than say Senator Cochran from Mississippi or Rep. Bonilla from Texas. If you don't understand that, you don't understand voter behavior very well.
I think highly of Doug and his campaign; there is nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism.
Posted by: Eric Earling on July 12, 2006 05:41 PM