How Popular is Patty Murray?

Patty Murray takes no nonsense!

Since 1992, when Murray joined the senate, she has become increasingly more popular. She has become a person who has proved many wrong and has shown growth as a senator in last decades. 

Last Election

Her last election, in 2010, was against Dino Rossi. It was one of the closest races in history. Murray won by less than 4 percent (51.8 v. 48.1). The election was intended to recruit Dino Rossi to run against Murray in hope that they could win another Republican in the senate. This was a major deal because it could sway the majority over to the Republicans. The election was nasty and closer throughout. Based on the scholarly essay by Manisha Kaura, there were two major differences in the gap of voters:

• The Gender Gap: votes were split evenly between the males (M:48 R:51), but there was a gap between the women (M:57 R:36). Multiple sources explain how this gap has a correlation with EMILY's List which helped Murray bring home the "W."
• The Age Gap: Rossi did better with the "young voters" (45:36) and Murray did better with the "baby boomers" (57:37). This also helped in Murray's favor as there is generally a larger group of baby boomers that vote than the younger population. 

Washington State is primarily blue when it comes to presidential elections. In 2012, Obama won over Romney 56% to 41%. There is indication that this state will also be blue once again. The fact that the Washington is a blue state will help Patty to get reelected because she is democratic. 

Reelection 

She's fierce and mighty.

Patty, at first, was not taken seriously. Her nickname, "mom in tennis shoes" stuck. Patty used this to her advantage and began proving people wrong. She continued to progress and prove that she is so much more than people ever thought she could do. Her strategy is unlike others. Patty is also referred to a "work horse," not a "show horse." Patty gets the job done without needing to be in spotlight. Overtime, this has shown and she continues to gather support. 

Patty has announced that she will be running for her 5th term in 2016. With an interview conducted by Seattle Times, "A lot of people say to me, ‘Gosh, why

do you want to keep doing it?’ It’s a question that deserves to be answered. I’d really rather be in the middle of the debate fighting for the people of Washington state rather than yelling at my television." This speaks truly of why Murray is in office: to get things done. 

Murray, Ranked 4th in leadership among senator democrats and there is talk about her being the first senate democratic leader if Harry Reid were to step down. Based on the inclined popular vote in Washington and gained respect in the senate, Patty Murray's  vote is a sad one. There is talk about Dave Reichert running for senator against Patty but he has not made any announcements. 

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

Patty's top 5 contributors to her campaign have been Microsoft, EMILY's List, University of Washington, Amazon, and Boeing Co. Patty currently has raised over 16 million dollars since she was in office since 1992. Patty tends to be lower in funds (compared to the average) on years where there is not reelection, but well above average on election years. This isn't a surprise. Patty also holds a lot of luncheons in order to raise money. Patty is known to never stop fundraising, but asks her supporters to give what they can. In an article conducted by Seattle PI, Patty claims that "she is running against Koch brothers. The brothers are planning on throwing just under a billion dollars into the election of 2016. Patty is making a statement about having too much power with the use of money over the elections. Patty has a much more modest approach to fundraising. Seattle PI states that Murray's first "campaign costs just $1.2 million.  The 2016 contest to retain her seat is expected to come at a price tag of more than 20 times as much,"

What will shape Patty's Election?

Patty will address some of the issues that Washington is facing now. One issue that Patty focuses on is Education. She will address how she hopes to help educate the younger generations and help to make college more affordable. She uses her background and former life as a preschool teacher to give insight to how things should be fixed. Patty tends to focus on issues within Washington. Other issues that Patty will focus on issues regarding Veterans, Agriculture, and Women's rights.

Patty is also working with Paul Ryan, a republican on a budget plan. She describes this as a process that will take a lot of compromise, but that will be the only way things will ever get done.