Washington Senate Debate: on Principles & Values

Matthew Whitaker: OpEd: disagrees with entire liberal laundry list

Chuck Grassley: My re-election ensures Iowa is not denied Senate seniority

"Senator Grassley's plans are simply more of the same plans that plunged our economy into this crisis, that punished the middle class and exploded the deficit," Conlin said. "I have new plans and fresh ideas," Conlin said. "I'm not attacking him personally; I'm asking him to defend his record."

Grassley countered by touting his experience, saying he has a powerful role in the Senate that benefits the state. "I don't think Iowa should be denied seniority in the United States Senate," said Grassley. "I don't think a person from Iowa should be asked to leave when people from other states aren't leaving."

Roxanne Conlin: Republicans only offer more of the same

"Senator Grassley's plans are simply more of the same plans that plunged our economy into this crisis, that punished the middle class and exploded the deficit," Conlin said. "I have new plans and fresh ideas," Conlin said. "I'm not attacking him personally; I'm asking him to defend his record."

Grassley countered by touting his experience, saying he has a powerful role in the Senate that benefits the state. "I don't think Iowa should be denied seniority in the United States Senate," said Grassley. "I don't think a person from Iowa should be asked to leave when people from other states aren't leaving."

Dino Rossi: Lost 2004 race for governor by 133 votes

Rossi is a real estate developer who has twice lost races for governor. Rossi, 50, lost to Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire by 133 votes in 2004 after two recounts. He lost to her by nearly 200,000 votes in 2008. He is seeking to capitalize on anti-incumbent sentiment in a state that has voted Democrat the past six presidential elections.

Patty Murray: This state is my family and my family is hurting

Rossi said the decision of voters is about changing leadership in a government that is spending too much and growing too big.

Dino Rossi: Murray is shortchanging voters with 2 debates instead of 6

Murray, following her usual strategy of limiting debates, has agreed to just two--one in Spokane and one in Seattle. Murray declined an invitation to a debate sponsored by KING 5, The Seattle Times, KIRO Radio and Northwest Cable News. The KING 5 station manager said the debate was aimed for a prime time slot around Oct. 15. He said organizers would have tried to be flexible to accommodate Murray's schedule. But she still refused.

Rossi released an "open letter" to voters, criticizing Murray for shunning additional debates: "Sen. Murray is shortchanging you and the other

Patty Murray: Long history of limiting debates with her challengers

Murray's campaign maintains that two debates is enough, and says Murray is too busy to d more considering her Senate schedule. "We had a number of very promising proposals. We considered all of them. We made a choice to accept two debates, one in Western Washington and one in Eastern Washington, that would both be available to statewide audiences and reach as many voters as possible," said Murray campaign spokeswoman.

Murray has a history of limiting debates with her challengers--a classic incumbent strategy. In 1998, during her first re-election campaign, Murray agreed to just one debate with Republican challenger Linda Smith. In 2004, Murray consented to two debates, frustrating Republican George Nethercutt, who proceeded to traverse the state "debating" an empty pair of tennis shoes.