Give Maria Cantwell a third term in the U.S. Senate
Tacoma News Tribune (Editorial) - Democrat Maria Cantwell has a smart, respectable Republican challenger for her U.S. Senate seat – freshman state Sen. Michael Baumgartner of Spokane.
Baumgartner is particularly knowledgeable about Middle East policy, but he doesn’t make a good case for replacing the cerebral, hard-working incumbent. The News Tribune editorial board recommends that voters give Cantwell a third six-year term.
A former state legislator who served a term in the U.S. House, Cantwell was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000 by defeating the incumbent, Slade Gorton. Since the economy went south, she has focused with laser-like intensity on creating jobs, helping business and pushing for Wall Street reforms.
Cantwell isn’t one for partisan bickering, instead working to educate her colleagues and build coalitions for legislation that is often more wonky than “sexy.” Prime examples are her efforts to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, an agency that helps finance exports of many manufacturers, including Boeing; to pass tax credits for employers who hire veterans; and to invest in freight and transportation infrastructure.
As chair of the Senate aviation subcommittee, Cantwell is well-poised to work on issues affecting the state’s vital aerospace interests. She was instrumental in creating the FAA Center of Excellence at the University of Washington and funding aerospace training at Clover Park Technical College and 10 other state schools.
Cantwell and Baumgartner agree on some issues – both support comprehensive immigration reform so badly needed by Washington farmers seeking a reliable workforce. But they differ on abortion, marriage equality and marijuana legalization. Cantwell supports abortion rights and federal recognition of same-sex marriage; she opposes Initiative 502 to legalize marijuana. Baumgartner opposes abortion choice and believes states should decide on same-sex marriage. He supports I-502.
We think the pragmatic Cantwell is a better fit for Washington state. Voters must think so, too; she soundly won the primary matchup with Baumgartner in August. They should back her again Nov. 6.
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Working for WA
Protecting Washington’s Natural Resources
As one of the most beautiful states in the union–and one of the richest in natural resources–Washington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the state’s conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Fighting For Washington Businesses, Workers and Jobs
Maria knows Washington’s business community – because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, she’s led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Keeping Washington Families Safe
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities.
Standing with Middle-Class Taxpayers
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough times–and tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
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