Rick Larsen (D - 2nd CD)

Scanning the Blogs today I came across this entry from CitizenSteve at Washington Outsiders up in Whatcom County: Rick Larsen (WA-02) - Working for Us . Well, as those of you who have followed along here over any period of time might know, I have a rather mixed view of Congressman Larsen.

On Iraq, Rick (because he voted against the invasion) has the moral authority to hold the Bush Administration responsible for their pre-invasion rhetoric as he does in the article about the degraded chemical munitions. Unfortunately, he continues to view the ongoing occupation through the prism of the Defense Department. Just like Maria Cantwell, Rick seems to restrict his intelligence on Iraq to DoD briefings given by the generals whose careers depend on staying in good favor with Don Rumsfeld. While independent reports continue to decry the life conditions in that country – decreased access to electricity, clean water, and medical care – since our invasion, the unabated loss of life (both American and Iraqi), and the extremely high unemployment rate (a major contributor to the ongoing resistance), Larsen believes that conditions are improving and that the “Year of Transition” position of the DLC is a real strategy. Perhaps my moment of greatest personal disappointment with Rick (this year) was his recent vote to approve the latest Rovian resolution in the House that basically declared that the invasion of Iraq was an integral part of the so-called War on Terror. Larsen, along with 41 other House Democrats broke ranks with the Democratic Caucus and gave in to the bullying of the neo-con majority who wrote the resolution in such a way that a “No” vote could be used politically as a “vote against the troops”.

Socially, Rep. Larsen remains a mixed bag as well. Rick’s commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, and women’s rights remain unchallenged. However, Larsen’s voting record on issues that pit the individual consumer against corporate interests still leave many to scratch their heads. Rick’s consistent votes (as recently as last month) to repeal the Estate Tax, coupled with his vote in favor of the so-called Bankruptcy Reform Act leave him squarely outside the mainstream of his party. I must admit (even after a pleasant discussion with his Chief of Staff, Jeff Bjornstad, at a recent Drinking Liberally) I’m still not sure what to make of his position on Net Neutrality. While he did vote against passage of the latest Tele-com legislation, he previously voted against the Markey-Inslee “Net Neutrality Amendment” to that same legislation.

Personally, I like Rick. On the few occasions we have had a chance to talk, I find him to very personable and engaging. Even on the positions where we disagree, he explains his positions as coming from a place of personal conviction and not any political posturing. With the possible exception of this recent “Iraq Resolution” vote I have no reason to doubt him. This is not to say that I wouldn’t prefer a more “Inslee-like” representative in my district. I certainly would. However, when the rumblings in the Progressive Community in the 2nd CD start up about the possibility of not supporting Rick in 2006, I simply ask where “our” candidate is. I am not willing to sacrifice this seat to the republicans by “sitting this one out” and, unlike the case of Maria Cantwell (where the stakes of a six year term are much higher and Mark Wilson offers a real alternative), there is no one who has done the ground work necessary to offer a real Progressive challenge to Rick Larsen this year. What I suggest to my Progressive friends is this: Let’s make sure that we help Rick keep this seat for the Democrats in 2006 (helping to ensure a Democratic house majority) but then, let’s get together on November 12th to start mapping out that 2008 strategy.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue