Checking in on the Challengers

I'm reasonably optimistic about the chance to pick up at least one, and possibly two, new Democratic Congressional seats here in Washington. While our challengers aren't necessarily 'Seattle-style' Democrats, once you cross the Lake, and especially when you cross the mountains, that's a good thing. And they're good candidates.

In the 8th District, Alex Alben has found a weak spot in Jennifer Dunn's armor - her disgraceful lack of performance on issues important to our nation's veterans, even during time of war.

"The House of Representatives recently voted on awarding servicemen and women a one-time $1500 bonus in recognition of their service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom." reports the Alben website. "Rep. Dunn voted against this proposal and it was defeated."

“I am dismayed that Rep. Jennifer Dunn wouldn’t support this deserving cause and instead cast the deciding vote that prevented our men and women from receiving this well earned money.”

In Eastern Washington's 5th District, left open by George Nethercutt's Quixotic quest for Patty Murray's Senate seat, Don Barbieri is building on his impressive background as a businessman to mount an equally impressive bid for Tom Foley's old Congressional seat.

He explained his decision on a recent stop in the Palouse. "I began with five employees and we grew to 5,000 employees," he said. "I decided it was either time to grow to 10,000 employees or take on a new challenge where I might, in the long run, help create even more jobs.

"So, I looked into my toolbox of experience and personal skills and decided to make my first run for public office," he said.

Whether it's an investment in green energy or sweat equity, these are campaigns worth a measure of your attention.