Can we dump Doc?

I'm as guilty as most wet side Washington bloggers of giving relatively short shrift to Richard Wright's run against Doc Hastings in WA-4. Conventional wisdom has held that it's our longest shot for a pick-up, but recent events have put the Ethics Committee Chair in the spotlight, and he hasn't benefited much from the attention.

An e-mail appeal from the Wright campaign indicates that the ground is perhaps more fertile than might be imagined (though this was a Democratic seat not all that long ago)...

POLLING: In late August, we hired Seattle polling firm Evans/McDonough to survey likely voters across the 4th Congressional District. This poll was a crucial moment; it would give us important insight into voter's thinking and intentions. We made sure to do the poll in a way that did not skew the results in favor of the Wright campaign.

The results were astounding.

§ Only 22% of 4th CD voters said they would definitely vote for Hastings;

§ Hastings’ reelect numbers are at the absolute low end of the “comfort zone” for an incumbent this close to the election;

§ Hastings’ positions on key issues are out of touch with Central Washington voters;

§ A majority of voters in the 4th District said they are not happy about the direction of the country and want a change;

§ After hearing the comparative messages of both candidates, Richard Wright took the lead among surveyed voters.

Of course, no one will hear that comparative message unless they're told somehow. If you're anywhere near the southeast corner of the upper left, you can offer some of your time and talent right here. If distance is an issue (heck, even if it isn't) you can donate at the Upper Left Act Blue page.

Frankly, I don't know if this one's really do-able, but Wright is doing all he can. The only thing left is for you to do something.