Perhaps nothing defines the far-whacked out state of Seattle politics today than the news that Congressman Jim McDermott is being challenged by a Democrat state representative – because McDermott isn’t liberal enough: “the seventh congressional district should be to the Congress what the 43rd is to the state,” said Brady Walkinshaw in announcing his challenge
One has to wonder how hard it will be for him to convince voters that Seattle’s seat in Congress should be just as out-of-touch in the national body as the 43rd district is in Olympia, where its reps are always pushing for that ultra-liberal district’s tried-and-true causes like a state income tax, no charter schools, etc.
The Seattle Times wrote that the first-term state rep’s “audacious gamble” is based on Walkinshaw’s desire “to focus on bringing Seattle’s progressive ideals — such as raising the minimum wage and decriminalizing marijuana — into the national mainstream.”
Of course, Walkinshaw can always play the age, sexual preference, and race cards against McDermott is his pitch for votes. The Times notes that “As a relatively young, gay Cuban American, Walkinshaw said he can appeal to the region’s changing demographics. He’ll be a contrast with McDermott, 78, who is of Irish heritage and hosts an annual “Potato Festival.”
Evidently nothing says you’re out of touch in Seattle as being willing to host a “Potato Festival.”
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