Cantwell, Kerry speak in Seattle on importance of winning in 2006
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and John Kerry appeared side by side tonight at a cheerful reception in Seattle to speak to supporters and talk about the importance of taking back Congress and the country in 2006.
The senators were accompanied by Teresa Heinz Kerry and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels (who were repeatedly praised for their outstanding environmental work), among other special guests. Following a kickoff speech by Mayor Nickels, Senator Kerry delivered a glowing introduction for Senator Cantwell.
He reminded the audience of more than 1,000 about Maria's tireless work in the U.S. Senate fighting against drilling in the Arctic Refuge and fighting for the ratepayers of Snohomish PUD, who were victimized by the crooks at Enron.
Kerry also thanked everyone for their hard work in 2004 and expressed his gratitude for what he said was an unprecedented get-out-the-vote effort. "You surpassed all of our expectations," Kerry declared, to rousing applause.
After Kerry had delivered an encouraging assessment of Maria's work in the U.S. Senate and her reelection bid, Cantwell herself came to the podium to speak.
She was so warmly received that at times it was difficult to hear what she was saying because the applause and the cheering from the audience was so loud. She began by thanking Senator Kerry for his support of her campaign and his help in making the Arctic filibuster a success.
"This is Kerry country," Cantwell said of the Pacific Northwest, recollecting that Kerry won Washington State in 2004 by some 54%. She also recalled her own narrow victory in 2000 over incumbent (and entrenched Republican) Slade Gorton.
She repeatedly spoke of what a Kerry presidency would have meant for Washington State, especially on key issues such as energy independence and healthcare.
Addressing the administration's failures in Iraq, Cantwell declared to thunderous applause, "This year must be a year of transition. In 2006 we must get the Iraqi people back on their feet and bring our troops home."
Though Senator Cantwell has been repeatedly criticized for not having a position on Iraq, it was clear tonight that she does indeed have one.
Senator Cantwell believes that our presence so far in the region hasn't made Iraq a freer, safer, healthier country. She is evidently frustrated with the administration's inability to bring stability to the Middle East, and its constant stonewalling.
Finally, Cantwell underlined the importance of winning in 2006 just as Kerry had earlier, and reminded the crowd that there are other important races at stake this year.
"Wouldn't we like to send one more woman to the United States Congress?" Cantwell asked, referring to Darcy Burner's candidacy in the 8th Congressional District, which drew a huge roar of agreement from the audience.
Cantwell appeared to be confident, happy, and joyful, ready to take on Mike McGavick and win in November. By the end of the event it seemed everyone shared her enthusiasm. A large number of people stayed behind to shake hands with the senators.
It was a great event - an upbeat event with an incredibly supportive crowd, twice what some of the organizers had expected.
Senator Cantwell's speech had great themes. Most importantly, she showed that she does have a position on the Iraq War and that she is very concerned about the administration's mismanagement of the conflict.
With summer approaching, the campaign is finally beginning to kick into high gear. There's only about seven months until Election Day. It's time to get to work and give McGavick and his cronies a sound thrashing they won't soon forget.
The senators were accompanied by Teresa Heinz Kerry and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels (who were repeatedly praised for their outstanding environmental work), among other special guests. Following a kickoff speech by Mayor Nickels, Senator Kerry delivered a glowing introduction for Senator Cantwell.
He reminded the audience of more than 1,000 about Maria's tireless work in the U.S. Senate fighting against drilling in the Arctic Refuge and fighting for the ratepayers of Snohomish PUD, who were victimized by the crooks at Enron.
Kerry also thanked everyone for their hard work in 2004 and expressed his gratitude for what he said was an unprecedented get-out-the-vote effort. "You surpassed all of our expectations," Kerry declared, to rousing applause.
After Kerry had delivered an encouraging assessment of Maria's work in the U.S. Senate and her reelection bid, Cantwell herself came to the podium to speak.
She was so warmly received that at times it was difficult to hear what she was saying because the applause and the cheering from the audience was so loud. She began by thanking Senator Kerry for his support of her campaign and his help in making the Arctic filibuster a success.
"This is Kerry country," Cantwell said of the Pacific Northwest, recollecting that Kerry won Washington State in 2004 by some 54%. She also recalled her own narrow victory in 2000 over incumbent (and entrenched Republican) Slade Gorton.
She repeatedly spoke of what a Kerry presidency would have meant for Washington State, especially on key issues such as energy independence and healthcare.
Addressing the administration's failures in Iraq, Cantwell declared to thunderous applause, "This year must be a year of transition. In 2006 we must get the Iraqi people back on their feet and bring our troops home."
Though Senator Cantwell has been repeatedly criticized for not having a position on Iraq, it was clear tonight that she does indeed have one.
Senator Cantwell believes that our presence so far in the region hasn't made Iraq a freer, safer, healthier country. She is evidently frustrated with the administration's inability to bring stability to the Middle East, and its constant stonewalling.
Finally, Cantwell underlined the importance of winning in 2006 just as Kerry had earlier, and reminded the crowd that there are other important races at stake this year.
"Wouldn't we like to send one more woman to the United States Congress?" Cantwell asked, referring to Darcy Burner's candidacy in the 8th Congressional District, which drew a huge roar of agreement from the audience.
Cantwell appeared to be confident, happy, and joyful, ready to take on Mike McGavick and win in November. By the end of the event it seemed everyone shared her enthusiasm. A large number of people stayed behind to shake hands with the senators.
It was a great event - an upbeat event with an incredibly supportive crowd, twice what some of the organizers had expected.
Senator Cantwell's speech had great themes. Most importantly, she showed that she does have a position on the Iraq War and that she is very concerned about the administration's mismanagement of the conflict.
With summer approaching, the campaign is finally beginning to kick into high gear. There's only about seven months until Election Day. It's time to get to work and give McGavick and his cronies a sound thrashing they won't soon forget.
