Reaction to hit mailings by GOP's McMorris Rodgers, Democrat Hader

Mud throwing has begun with negative "hit pieces" in two at-play U.S. House races in Washington state, but the hits have spurred strong reactions.

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-wash., facing a strong challenge, struck out this week with a an ad and mailer, depicting Democratic challenger Lisa Brown as soft on sex offenders. The basis, a 1986 vote against a GOP bill in the Legislature that would have barred offenders from living near schools and colleges.

In the 8th District race, Democrat Dr. Shannon Hader has sent out a hit mailing on fellow Democrat (and fellow physician) Dr. Kim Schrier, trying to depict Schrier as a "vaxxer," an opponent of childhood vaccinations.

The hits, in both cases, appear highly dubious.

A group of Spokane health professionals has hit back at McMorris Rodgers, reprimanding the GOP lawmaker in a letter than has garnered more than 500 signatures. It defends Brown, recalling that she helped organize Spokane's first "Take Back the Night" march and currently serves on the board of the YWCA.

"For over 20 years as a Spokane pediatrician, I was one of the only pediatricians to provide exams and testify in court for child abuse cases: Lisa Brown was always a consistent advocate for child safety" in the Legislature, wrote Dr. Deb Harper in the letter.

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McMorris Rodgers continues to show signs of worry. She is bringing in controversial Rep. Devin Nune, R-Calif., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee -- and a prime Trump defender -- to speak at a $250 lunch Monday at the Spokane Club.

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