Pushing Rope: Support Darcy Burner

Washington state congressional candidate Darcy Burner has become the darling of progressives. Her fundraising has been impressing. In part because of her support from the netroots. Burner has raised more than Republican incumbant Dave Reichert. The DCCC announced they will spend $1 million for television ads.

Burner is one of the architects of "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq." Burner and Donna Edwards drafted the plan. The plan calls for withdawing troops and dealing with the refugee crisis spawned from the insurgency. Domestically, the plan would end signing statements and warrantless wiretapping.

"We've been waiting for five years for a top-down solution," Burner told the Seatttle Times "No top-down solution is coming."

On women's issues: Burner has been endorsed by Emily's List. She has made a transparency pledge for her earmarks. Burner spoke out against the FISA bill.

In 2006, Barack Obama campaigned for Burner. Her opponent, Reichert is running on his law and order reputation. That may not be enough in a district that voted for Kerry and Gore.

"If he can't represent himself as a moderate Republican, he's dead in the water," said John Gastil, a professor of political communication at the University of Washington.

Political shifts both locally and nationally pose a challenge for the former sheriff.

The 8th District, which covers eastern King and Pierce counties, was once solidly Republican territory but now is considered a classic swing district. In 2004, voters favored Democrat John Kerry for president but supported Republican Dino Rossi for governor.

Support Darcy Burner.

Update: Darcy Burner at Netroots Nation.