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Senator Maria Cantwell Democrat of Washington

Statistics

Party: Democrat
Born: October 13, 1958
Education: Miami University of Ohio, B.A. Public Policy, 1980
Occupation: Internet Audio Company Executive; Public Relations Consultant, Washington State House, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate
Family: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
Political Career: Washington House, 1987-92; U.S. House 1993-95; U.S. Senate 2000-present
Committees: Commerce, Science & Transportation; Energy & Natural Resources; Finance; Indian Affairs; Small Business

Why Your Support

Maria Cantwell was first elected in 2000, narrowly defeating incumbent GOP Sen. Slade Gorton with 49%. The results were so close that her victory was not officially declared until the following month. Six years later, Cantwell won with 57% although Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens supported her opponent and campaigned against her. Stevens was fulfilling a pledge he made when Sen. Cantwell successfully led the fight to stop drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Now, she has taken on the fight to make America more energy independent.
Further, Senator Cantwell is a visible and vocal leader on our issues. She considers herself to be “100% pro-choice” and supports the pro-choice positions in her legislative efforts. Senator Cantwell was one of 34 Senators to vote against the Partial-Birth Abortion Plan Act of 2003, which was eventually passed and signed into law by President George W. Bush. Senator Cantwell also demonstrated her leadership on the issue in voting against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act – which made it an additional crime to kill or harm a fetus during a criminal assault upon the mother – and was eventually passed and signed into law by President Bush as well. Senator Cantwell has a 100% approval rating from NARAL, and is a champion on JAC’s issues.
Despite the Republican filibuster that followed, Senator Cantwell voted to allow debate on the issues relating to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as well as the DREAM act. Her votes reflect her leadership on gay rights, immigration issues and other progressive policy positions.
In terms of her foreign policy positions, Senator Cantwell is a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel alliance. The Senator consistently votes to continue foreign military assistance to Israel, and has unconditionally supported Israel’s right to self-defense.
Many have talked about entering the race on the Republican side but so far only State Senator Michael Baumgartner has declared. Washington leans Democraict and Cantwell is a strong incumbent who is favored to win.

Background

Washington has been a national trendsetter and on the cutting edge of innovation. It is the home of  Starbucks, Boeing, Microsoft and Amazon.com. During the early 20th century, Washington lived off the government development of hydroelectric power.  Today, Washington lives less off the brawn of hydroelectric power and rail and ship tonnage and more off the brains that made Boeing the world leader in aircraft and Microsoft the world leader in software. Washington’s governor and both of its senators are Democrats and women. The population is 76% white with 89% finishing high school and 30% holding college degrees. The median income is $53,950.

About The Candidate

Maria Cantwell grew up in a working-class family and with the help of Pell Grants, was the first member of her family to graduate college. When she began her first campaign for a seat in the Washington State house, she became well known as a dedicated campaigner, knocking on every door in the district and getting to know her constituents. Senator Cantwell was elected to the state house at the age of 28, and quickly became known for her leadership efforts. When she eventually ran in the House of Representatives, she became the first democrat to be elected from her district in 40 years before being defeated in the Republican landslide of 1994.

Putting politics aside for a few years, she joined a Seattle Internet start-up and became senior vice president of Real Networks. She proved herself to be a successful businesswoman in the private sector, helping to build up the company and create hundreds of high-paying jobs. When she ran for the U.S. Senate seat in 2000, Cantwell was able to tap into her personal resources to guarantee her success.

In the Senate over the past 11 years, Senator Cantwell has earned her reputation as an emerging player on issues directly relating to the interests of her home state. Her voting record has been solidly democratic, demonstrating her desire to bring Pacific Northwest progressivism to the Hill in trying to “get the rest of the country to think a little more like we [in Washington state] do.”

Senator Cantwell has become a leader on energy, tax and other issues, using her committee assignments and leadership skills to work on “cap and trade” proposals, renewable energy projects and energy regulation commission investigations.

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