WA-08

Hypothetical:  let's say you're a Democrat making a repeat run for Congress in an affluent, metropolitican suburb.  You're grabbing attention for your national ties to the netroots, which is raising questions in national publications about just how in tune with your potential constituents you are.

Would it be wise to stretch the truth by claiming your degree from Harvard is in economics rather than computer science?

Probably not.  The basic details:

Perhaps it should come as little surprise that a candidate who is a darling of the netroots is running a campaign that puts little emphasis on the economic issues that are dominating the headlines and top the concerns of voters this year. Yet, that's exactly what Democrat Darcy Burner is doing in her re-match against Republican Congressman Dave Recihert, in a race that regularly lands on assorted "House Races to Watch" lists (latest example from the Fix).

Behold, Burner's latest ad:

This amounts to getting into a resume contest with Reichert, he of King County Sheriff and Green River Killer fame (official bio here). Sure, the Reichert campaign can easily compile a list of accomplishments to counter the ad itself, but resume wars were a loser for Burner in 2006. Recall the ad that sent the left into a tizzy for its supposed sexism: 

Tthe other hot race to watch this year in Washington state, besides Dino Rossi's bid to win a rematch of his 2004 battle, is Dave Reichert's re-election bid for Congress.

Rep. Reichert was a major Democratic target in the '06 cycle, running as a first time incumbent in a district (the 8th) carried by John Kerry in '04 and increasingly carried by statewide Democratic candidates as well.  He edged out a win over former Microsofite Darcy Burner by 2%, overcoming her surprisingly strong fundraising and rabid netroots support with his experience serving the district in Congress and as King County Sheriff.

Reichert is out to an early lead in a repeat of the 2006 contest.  Burner has been running almost constantly since that time, raising money at a fierce clip and overtaking Reichert on that score.  Yet, SurveyUSA pegs him with a 51% - 45% advantage.