by Steve Beren

Perhaps I am a little biased, but as a resident of King County, I am very encouraged by the possibility about this race. Ostensibly, this is a non-partisan race, pitting King County Councilmember Dow Constantine (a far left liberal associated with failed county economic and budgetary policies) against conservative-leaning former TV anchor Susan Hutchison.

In 2008, King County went for Obama over McCain by a margin of 70% to 28%. At this time, the race looks close, and Hutchison has been leading in the polls (though not by much). Constantine has waged a very aggressive, negative, and divisive campaign, and has made a strong point of emphasizing his support for President Obama, unrestricted abortion, and so-called "environmentalism."

A victory for Susan Hutchison would open up an important opportunity for political change in one of the most liberal Democratic-leaning counties in the nation.

Editor's Note - Steve Beren is a two-time former Republican candidate for US Congress in Seattle, against Democrat Jim McDermott. He's a strident Anti-Tax/Pro-Defense Republican.