After the "visitation" to Seattle back in the mid-1980s led by Archbishop Hickey, the Vatican sent Wuerl to Seattle as a coadjutor bishop. Several areas of jurisdiction were taken away from Abp. Hunthausen and given to Wuerl. He was suppose to clean things up, but was unable. Reports say that Hunthausen loyalists froze Wuerl out.
I think Wuerl is orthodox. He is no liberal. However, his ineffectualness in Seattle makes one wonder if he will be a leader among the bishops or just another decent if lackluster bishop.
Of course, the "progressives" in Washington state were entrenched in the 60s when the Vatican at the time refused to uphold excommunications for dissent on birth control.
SD