No-frills style belies Murray's tenacity, competitive streak

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

If Patty Murray wins re-election Nov. 2, she would be the first senator from Washington state to earn a third consecutive term since the late Henry "Scoop" Jackson.

But as her seniority and clout would rise with re-election, there's no doubt Murray's "mom in tennis shoes" style would remain.

Though the Democrat has been in politics for nearly two decades, Murray, 54, still sees issues through the lens of a preschool teacher, a job she held before entering public life. She often cites decades-ago experience as a hospital volunteer, or working mother, or daughter of a disabled World War II veteran.

To some in D.C., this homespun sensibility comes off as disingenuous, even naive. Earlier this year, Washingtonian magazine labeled Murray among the "no rocket scientists" in Congress, based on its annual survey of congressional staff members.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002072029_murray25m.html

[knowbody0]

1. i really admire her

[Mojambo]

2. It's funny

I've never thought all that highly of her political skills, but clearly she's got it.

She is going to have a VERY long career in the Senate.

[geniph]

3. An historic endorsement of Patty Murray

Patty Murray is the first woman, and the first Democrat, ever endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This received exactly NO press coverage, but it is a VERY VERY big deal. Any veteran who is voting for George Nethercutt has swallowed the RW kool-aid bigtime. Patty works ceaselessly for veterans' benefits.