The article does, however, note that, despite the differences in exact circumstances, the Lieberman defeat also shows that voters are in an anti-incumbent mood, which could create problems for Cantwell. She also hired her most vocal anti-war primary opponent, Mark Wilson, at $8,000-a-month salary, a move that was described by political commentators as "buying out" the opposition (which she also allegedly attempted with other anti-war challengers Hong Tran and Aaron Dixon). Also, unlike Lieberman, Cantwell has altered her position on the war during her campaign and criticized the Bush Administration for its conduct of the war. Unlike Lamont's campaign, Cantwell's anti-war opponents' campaigns have received much less funding and have not had the same support from the blogosphere that brought Lamont to prominence and improved his name recognition. Comparisons have been made between Lieberman's troubles and Cantwell's re-election bid, citing Cantwell's vote in favor of the Iraq Resolution that led to the war, her refusal to say she regretted the vote, and her vote against a timetable for withdrawal. A great deal of attention has focused on this race, as an early barometer of both anti-incumbent and anti-war sentiment nationwide. On August 8, 2006, the incumbent Democratic Senator from Connecticut, Joe Lieberman, lost his primary race to challenger Ned Lamont by 52%-48%, and appears to be following through on his earlier commitment to run as an Independent in the general election. Three other Democrats also entered the primary race: Mike the Mover, Michael Goodspaceguy Nelson, and Mohammad H. Initially, Cantwell had two challengers from within the Democratic primary, both of them taking strong stances against the Iraq war that brought attention to Cantwell's votes for the Iraq Resolution and against a timeline for withdrawal: Mark Wilson and Hong Tran. On May 13, 2006, Dixon secured the party's nomination at the Green Party of Washington state's Spring Convention. presence in Iraq and the USA PATRIOT Act.
Senate, challenging Cantwell on her continued support for the U.S. On March 9, 2006, Aaron Dixon announced his decision to seek the Green Party's nomination for U.S. Senate in 2004 (withdrew and took a paid position in Cantwell's campaign) Mark Wilson, Libertarian candidate for Congress in 2002 and Green candidate for the U.S.Mike The Mover, moving company owner and perennial candidate.Michael Goodspaceguy Nelson, perennial candidate.Due to the closeness of that race, and the close gubernatorial contest between Democrat Christine Gregoire and Republican Dino Rossi in November 2004, many Republicans believed they had a strong chance of capturing Cantwell's seat in 2006.ĭemocratic primary Candidates Cantwell won her initial election to the Senate in 2000 over Slade Gorton by 2,229 votes. Democrat Patty Murray is the state's senior senator. Of the nine representatives Washington sends to the House of Representatives, six are Democrats. The governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, state auditor, and insurance commissioner are Democrats, while only secretary of state, attorney general, and commissioner of public lands are Republican.
Statewide politics in Washington have been dominated by the Democratic Party for many years.
However, in an election marked by discontent over the Republican leadership in D.C., Cantwell easily won by a 17% margin of victory. In November, the National Journal ranked Cantwell's seat as number 13 of the top 20 races to watch based on the likelihood of switching party control, and the third-highest Democratic seat likely to flip. Cantwell consistently led in polling throughout the race, although political analysts saw her as vulnerable this election cycle due to her extremely narrow win in 2000 and discontent among progressive voters. The filing deadline was July 28, 2006, with the primary held September 19, 2006.
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