CQ Politics Rates WA-08 Race a Toss Up

CQ Politics have come out with a new rating for the 8th Congressional District race between Darcy Burner and Dave Reichert:

In the 8th District, which encompasses the Eastern suburbs of Seattle, analysts say former Microsoft executive Burner's organization, fundraising, and her views on the Iraq war have boosted her campaign. Observers add that the state and national Democratic organizations are also helping.

"She's also going to benefit by the strength of the Democratic party... the party base is activated," David Olson, professor of political science at the University of Washington told CQ Politics. Olson added that in the district "they have real problems in the Republican organization."

They also write:

Reichert remains a strong candidate for the seat and has the advantage of incumbency. His moderate tone on issues such as the environment and his support for stem cell research have helped him win support from Independents and some conservative Democrats.

But analysts say he still has major obstacles to overcome.

"He's got the albatross of the Bush administration hanging around his neck," Olson said.

The rating doesn't change what either candidate has to do to win the election, but it is an acknowledgement of Burner's increasingly strong candidacy this year, and Reichert's ongoing trouble in asserting his D.C. cred.

Assuming the rating stays unchanged for the coming months it will also provide Burner with another thing to put out in front of potential donors while fundraising. People are more likely to contribute to a campaign that is deemed capable of winning. In 2006 at this point in the election year Burner had a whole lot of convincing to do. Today, even the most skeptical would have to concede her chances look better than they were two years ago when she nevertheless "shocked many", in CQ Politics words, in losing by only 7000 votes.