Maria Cantwell

Maria Cantwell (D) is running for re-election for Senate in Washington state and rumors are flying that Dave Reichert (R) will give up his House seat to challenge her in 2012.

Background:

• Elected to the U. S. Senate in 2000, defeating incumbent Slade Gorton (R); she won re-election handily in 2006 by a margin of 16 points.
• Elected to the state legislature at age 28 (1987-1992)
• Served as a member of Congress from 1992 to 1994, the first Democrat in the 1st District in 40 years.
• Started her own business as a young woman and after her first House term ended in the Republican sweep of 1994 she became a top executive of the high-tech company RealNetworks from 1995 to 2000.

Cantwell's Positions on Key Issues:

• Cantwell is 100% pro-choice and has been a reliable vote on reproductive rights and family planning issues.
• Committed to pay equity and women's rights issues.
• Strong proponent of health care reform and environmental protections.

Prospects: Excellent

Other Endorsements: Emily’s List, Women’s Campaign Forum

Website: http://cantwell.senate.gov/