Washington: Former Microsoft Exec Seeking Reicherts Seat
Rep. Dave Reichert (R) has his first opponent of the cycle. Former Microsoft executive Suzan DelBene (D) announced via a campaign Web site that she will challenge him in 2010.
DelBene is a former Microsoft corporate vice president and small-business woman. Reichert defeated another former Microsoft executive, Darcy Burner (D), in 2006 and 2008 by slim margins.
I am not a career politician my focus has always been on creating opportunity, DelBene said on her Web site. I have incredible faith in what we can do as a community. I want to listen to you and move us forward by representing the great 8th district in the United States Congress.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee officials have made it clear that they want to target Reichert again this cycle, and the committee has already run radio ads against the vulnerable Republican. DCCC Western Regional Press Secretary Andy Stone confirmed the committee has been in touch with several potential Reichert challengers in the district.
The focus right now has been on Congressman Reichert, who voted against the economic recovery package twice and then hypocritically touted its benefits, Stone said. This is a winnable race in 2010, and were excited to see how things develop.