George Fearing campaign has raised nearly $60,000.  In some major congressional races across the nation, this is small change but what is significant is that this money was raised by individual donors.  To get on the map in Washington’s 4th Congressional District, you have to do just that. 

It’s foolish to dismiss the significance of this race.  60k may not seem like much and the incumbent, Richard “Doc” Hastings, appears to be a shoe in for 2008.  But lets examine it a bit further with some facts about previous challengers for this seat.

• $250k - roughly the amount of money spent by the Wright campaign in 2004
• 1 - Television campaign ad by the Wright campaign in 2004
• 0 - Television campaign ad’s by Doc Hastings in 2004
• $100k - Roughly the amount of debt the 2004 Wright Campaign
• 41% - The percentage Richard Wright received in the 2004 general election against Doc Hastings (better numbers, with far less money that the previous two challengers!)

Lets get real folks.  Taking back even more seats in the House has tracked some easy pickings across the US (and some tough ones), but it is hard to find one with this simple opportunity.  Hastings, despite the bankroll, had worse numbers in 04 than the last 3 challengers.  And that was against the cash strapped Wright campaign that despite the odds and being still deep in debt, garnered 41%.  It is pretty clear that even a marginally well funded campaign could swing this district back.  A well funded democratic campaign could put Washington’s 4th out of reach for decades.  And what an accomplishment that would be.  The facts are:

• Hastings is a no-budge on the Iraq War and continues to vote with the Bush Administration without question
• Voted against (and vows to continue to vote against) SCHIP which would largely benefit his own constituents
• Ethics - nuff said!
• Hastings comfortable position on the Congressional Rules Committee offers far to much access for the GOP agenda… a shake up is needed!

Eastern Washington State was built by Democrats dating back to the Roosevelt era.  Unfortunately it is a legacy that has largely been forgotten and Republicans have been doing their best to erase that history with their ’less government’ rhetoric while creating a massive constitutionally compromised, corporate aligned government, with bloated federal debt, while increasingly compromising worker benefits.  Sure, there are Republicans out there that are appalled at their own party.  And for the sake of Washington’s 4th CD, it would be great if one stood up to the challenge and ran.  But that just isn’t the case and Doc Hastings is all we have to show for it.

I’m looking forward to the 2008 election here in Washington State.  With champions like Darcy Burner set to potentially overwhelm “Dealing Dave” Reichert in the 8th with her fundraising, a healthy Democratic Presidential contest, and a candidate like George Fearing in the 4th, I’m starting to feel some progress can be made.

You want to help?  Quit screwing around and make a difference.  Go to George Fearing’s website and volunteer or contribute.  You can also go to my Act Blue page and make a difference there.  It doesn’t matter if you give $20, $100, or max out… you will make a difference.