The Dems are not being smart about this, imo.
For one thing not every Dem in WA is a flaming Leftist. A good number are Scoop Jackson Dems. They are generally conservative and can be convinced to vote Rep if the right persuasion is offered. Many split their tickets between Kerry & Rossi. The Dems run a risk of disillusioning these people the way Zell was disillusioned when he saw how his party operates in D.C., the same way a number of Florida residents came out decisively for Bush after the fiasco the Dems caused in 2000.
People like Rossi. They can't demonize him the way they can other Republicans.
I do realize as Governor Rossi is threatening to upset the Liberal status quo. Fire some of their favorite people in Gov., will be an impediment to some of their policy. I understand a popular Republican could have the side affect of rebuilding our state party to be competitive. Clearly Rossi could be a threat to the WA Dems that they haven't had in my lifetime, provided expectations meet reality.
I also understand the Dems have a 54 minority in Congress, aided by Jeffords & a few turncoats which still leaves them narrowly in minority. If they steal this election, Rossi becomes our candidate for '06 against Cantwell. Cantwell is not the lock Murray was, and Rossi has crossover party appeal. Someone higher up in the party needs to use their brain and realize that whatever positives Rossi could bring Republicans in state politics, he could bring even more advantages as a U.S. Senator from a "Blue state".
How many of the 80% (really?) that voted for Jim McDermott heard his pledge of allegiance in congress? How many know about the Dem ties to teachers unions (find a D rep that wasn't a member)? How many WA voters know how out of touch Murry is with world events?
The person that put my feet on the ground was my Dad. Years ago I came home from (public) school ranting and raving about the US. My Dad said "Do you realize how lucky you are to be born in America?" He then sat me down and calculated the chances of me being here, WA. State USA, instead of somewhere in South Africa or a third world country. My chances were very slim. Why here, why now, what do I have, what can I have. I realized that I am very lucky. America is the best country in the world.
It is a time to be thankful, even if things don't go your way (pretty hard times here), and I am.
Here is my favorite quote: "A stupid man cannot learn, an ignorant man has not had the opportunity to learn, but a foolish man is able to learn, has the opportunity, and does not do it." --Chelsea Quinn Yarbro