Though much of that comes from the fact that we only had 1 out of the 9 going in.

Still, this would be big. Washington’s Democratic lean comes almost exclusively from Seattle, so it is certainly possible to flip the state 5-4 or maybe even 6-3 if we get lucky in the 7th, 1st or 9th.

I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to Clint Didier personally, but I’ve gotten reports from people who have met him and they are impressed. There are several other candidates, none of whom are what I would call viable and also another potential candidate, Chris Widener, who might also have a shot at beating Murray.

I’ve heard that Didier will make his final decision before mid-January. Look for Widener’s decision in early January.

Murray’s favorables are as low as they’ve ever been; 48% recently on Survey USA. Just last spring she was well over 50%; I think maybe as high as 56%. I think it’s possible that she can be beaten but it will not be easy. It’s going to take a well run campaign and boat loads of cash. I also think that if she’s not defeated this year, we’ll be stuck with her until she decides to retire.

I know that people who are a lot more knowledgeable about politics than I am are less optimistic about the chances of beating her but I honestly think they are underestimating the depth of the anger with the current Congress and Administration and also the level of motivation that conservatives are feeling.

So I would say that I am very, very cautiously optimistic.