Some pretty tough talk over in the Eastside's 8th Congressional District as it begins to sound like Democratic newcomer Suzan DelBene is going to have a primary fight. From my story in this week's Stranger:

Suzan DelBene is acting like she wants to clear the field. In February, almost two years before Eastside Republican congressman Dave Reichert will stand for reelection, the former Microsoft executive announced her intent to take him down. Though a political newcomer, she then posted early fundraising numbers that give her a bigger war chest than Reichert—based largely on her own donation of $200,000. When asked, DelBene spokeswoman Kelly Evans said she didn't know of any other Democrats who are think about getting into the race.

That's surprising, though, because it's not hard to find Democrats who are pondering alternatives to DelBene. They're concerned that her profile—politically untested former Microsoftie—overlaps too much with that of failed two-time Reichert challenger Darcy Burner, whose losses were heartbreaking for Democrats looking to swing the 8th District into liberal hands. They're also alarmed by the news, first reported on The Stranger's blog, that DelBene failed to vote in nine elections over the last four years (including the 2006 general election, when the seat she now wants was up for grabs). "Logic dictates that a person who hasn't been voting is going to have a virtually impossible time getting elected in the 8th District," said state representative Chris Hurst (D-31), who represents the southern portion of Reichert's district. "You don't really get past that issue."

Also weighing in on DelBene: state senator Rodney Tom (D-48), who told me:

I just think that Congress isn't a place where you start your political career... Not only have I voted in elections, but I have literally thousands of votes that I've taken on issues, and people can know where I stand.

Sounds like DelBene may have a more crowded field than she'd like. Here's more from Hurst regarding DelBene's early money, which he told me he isn't sweating:

If I announced for this race, I could make two phone calls, and within 24 hours that amount of money would look like a joke.

Weigh in on whether Hurst can "do basic math," whether Rodney Tom has a chance, and whether it's fair to compare Suzan DelBene to Darcy Burner here.