Politics Competing Visions
The GOP sent out a press release today w the following headline: Democrat divide over Iraq War hurts Cantwell.
The Democrats sent out a press release today w the following headline:
Convention: State Democrats Unite Behind Maria Cantwell.
From the GOP press release:
As anticipated, Democrats were fiercely divided over the Iraq War, and their incumbent US Senate candidate, Maria Cantwell. Reactions to Cantwell’s appearance at the convention were mixed. Many delegates sported “No War” buttons, and before her speech chanted “No more war.” Washington State Republican Party Chairman Diane Tebelius said: “There is a clear division within the Democratic Party over Maria Cantwell. The Democratic base’s obvious lack of enthusiasm for Cantwell is definitely going to hurt her in November. The rift in the Democratic Party is not going to heal overnight. Washington voters are not going to vote for a party that does not have a clear message.”
From the Democratic press release:
Highlighted by a united show of support for Senator Maria Cantwell and a slew of Democratic Congressional and legislative candidates, the convention officially kicked off the 2006 campaign season for the 1000-plus delegates in attendance and Democrats throughout Washington state. Chair of the Washington State Democrats, Dwight Pelz said: “Washington State Democrats are energized and ready to roll up their sleeves to re-elect Maria Cantwell, send fresh new leadership to Congress and expand our majorities in the legislature. The grassroots of the Party has come together and demonstrated our strength and commitment to take back our country from the incompetent and failed leadership of Bush and the Republicans in Congress.”
Dwight Pelz & Diane Tebelius should just get a room already.
I call BS on the GOP. I just got back from the convention, and while I will not deny that there was some grassroots grumbling about Cantwell's position on Iraq, my impression was that the party is behind Maria. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, DT.
***Bonus Video at the convention was Dwight Pelz's response to DT and Lou Dobbs on CNN. It seems that Dobbs and Tebelius need to re-read the 14th amendment. Seems pretty clear to me!
~Jason