Just before GOP Senate candidate Susan Hutchison took to the podium to address the 100 or so Republicans wedged into the DeWils Design Center Tuesday evening, numerous local Republican candidates seeking office were introduced one at a time: Brandon Vick, Larry Hoff, Julie Olson, Scott Weber, Peter Van Nortwick, Eileen Quiring and Vicki Kraft.
But it was U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s unexpected appearance that stole the show.
Hutchison is running against Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. Cantwell has held the seat since 2001.
To enthusiastic applause, Herrera Beutler opened for Hutchison with remarks concerning jobs and the economy, health care and freeway tolls. In a room full of her supporters, those talking points received a warmer welcome than two previous public events where Herrera Beutler and Democratic challenger Carolyn Long spoke side-by-side.
“I keep saying I wish it didn’t matter who wins my race, but it desperately matters,” Herrera Beutler told the Republicans. “There is no question in my mind that it is so critical that we fight and maintain this seat and seats across the nation.”
When Hutchison began addressing the crowd, she often referred to herself and Herrera Beutler as a package deal.
“There are so many issues that matter to the people of this state that have been neglected,” Hutchison said. “When I get to Washington, I’m going to do everything I can to follow Jaime’s lead to be part of and support and sponsor bills and work them through the process with colleagues so we can get things done for Washington state.”
Hutchison worked as a news anchor for KIRO-TV in Seattle before serving as the state’s Republican Party chairwoman for five years. She called social media a gift that helps her run a grassroots campaign.
“God bless Donald Trump, he figured out how to use social media in a new way. Even Dems are going to school on Donald Trump and the use of social media,” she said.
She also used the rally to criticize Cantwell for being a “ghost.”
“She’s nowhere to be found,” Hutchison said. Cantwell had been lambasted by Hutchison earlier in the campaign for not agreeing to a debate. Eventually, two debates were held in October.
The lack of debate has also been a theme in the 3rd Congressional District. Herrera Beutler declined several offers to debate Long, and in the end the only two joint public appearances the candidates made were in Woodland and Goldendale, avoiding Clark County.
Despite a 30-point spread between Cantwell and Hutchison in the primary election, the Republican challenger assured the crowd her race is winnable and that Republicans can be elected to statewide office. She pointed to Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman’s re-election in 2016, where Wyman captured nearly 55 percent of the vote against Democrat Tina Podlodowski.
“I don’t need 55 percent; I would be happy with 4 percent less than that,” she said. “It is possible for us to win a statewide race. And I need your help to do that.”
Political pundits say this midterm election will come down to voter turnout.
“If we turn out our people … we can win this,” Hutchison said. “I will be for you. I will be sure your issues are important to the halls of power in Washington, D.C.”
