Democrats Hope to Reclaim Foley's Seat

By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -

The upset defeat of Speaker Tom Foley a decade ago symbolized the Republican takeover of the U.S. House. Now Democrats feel they have a chance to win back the seat.

Democrats are pinning their hopes on Donald Barbieri, a businessman with a big campaign war chest and a long history of civic duty. Three Republicans hope to keep the seat in the GOP's hands.

The seat is open because Republican Rep. George Nethercutt, who ousted Foley in 1994 after 15 terms, is leaving his spot to challenge Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.

Barbieri, 58, comes from a family with multigenerational business interests in Spokane and has a long record of civic service on the boards of business, hospital and university bodies.

more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-elect/2004/may/18/051800437.html

This looks like a very well organized very positive effort. Democrats in Spokane are energized. As I understand it national pundits call the race a toss up at this point. Cathy McMorris was the Republican House leader and is thought to be ahead. Senator Sheehan appears to be flat and Shawn Cross is a business lawyer who hasn't made any impact yet. Barbieri appears to anticipate an attack strategy from the R's once they have a candidate and has been trying to inoculate against it. God, guns and gays will be the strategy from the dark side.