Freshperson Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is up for reelection. She won her seat by a measley 2224 votes in 2000. She seems to be a Democrat in the "Joe Lieberman" mold (or at least tends that way), is vulnerable, and the rethugs know it.  Mark Wilson has entered the race to challenge Cantwell in the primary, which isn't until September.  Wilson has run for Senate in Washington previously as a Green.  
We know the rethugs will pour money into their challenger's campaign, as this seat is seen as vulnerable. Does it make sense to support her challenger (seen as a long-shot) in the primary, forcing her to spend resources? Or, do we give Cantwell a free ride to November?

American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco) has operated numerous mines smelters, and related operations in the US for over 100 years.  Asarco has at least $500 million in outstanding environmental liabilities. A Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing has apparently absolved this Corporation from it's responsibilities in meeting these liabilities.  Well, that means you and I get to pay for what they should be.   There are numerous people around the country who have been adversely affected by the spewing of arsenic, lead, and many other toxic agents this company has been belching for over a century, and now refuses to clean up.

Asarco has operated in this country for over a 100 years, and has been avoiding paying the costs associated with cleaning up their messes for nearly as long.  They have 19 sites on the Superfund list, and federal money to fund that project is running out.  Sites not on the Superfund list are the responsibility of individual states to clean up. Either way, Corporations walk away virtually free, and we're left "holding the bag".
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