NEWS RELEASE

September 6, 2007

Washington, DC (September 6) – A new poll commissioned by 21st Century Democrats shows progressive Democrat Darcy Burner, the first candidate endorsed by 21st Century Democrats this election cycle, pulling into a clear lead over conservative Republican incumbent Congressman Dave Reichert in the race for Washington State’s 8th Congressional District.

Burner leads Reichert, 44 percent to 39 percent, with 17 percent undecided. The poll was conducted one day (August 28) after President Bush made a high-profile fundraising visit to the district to reward Reichert for his lockstep support – 17 votes and counting – of the president’s determination to extend the misguided war in Iraq indefinitely. Beginning August 24, a four-day “Burn Bush for Burner” netroots fundraising drive culminating in a virtual town hall on Iraq live-streamed over the web generated close to $125,000 in small dollar contributions to Burner from more than 3,200 donors.

“Darcy’s Burner’s phenomenal success in using the web to reach voters with her message about ending rather than extending the war is clearly resonating with Democrats and Independents in the district,” said Mark Lotwis, executive director of 21st Century Democrats. “These poll results and Sen. Rodney Tom’s decision yesterday to drop out of the primary race and enthusiastically endorse Burner demonstrate that Burner’s courageous and principled leadership on progressive issues is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

The poll showed that both candidates had largely locked up support from members of their respective parties, with 82 percent of Republicans supporting Reichert and 85 percent of Democrats backing Burner. Most notably, Independents were breaking strongly in favor of Burner, 40 percent to 24 percent (with 36 percent undecided). That split appears to be a reflection of President Bush’s deep unpopularity among independents in the district because of the war: 83% of independents rated the president’s job approval negatively in the poll. Even among 8th District Republicans, more than one third – 36% – disapproved of Bush’s performance in office.

Congressman Reichert’s advisors have made it clear that they expected to lose political ground because of Bush’s appearance in the district, but are betting that the negative impacts of the visit will fade away over the next 14 months. That seems unlikely, however, given that Reichert’s support for staying the course in Iraq – against the wishes of his own constituents – serves as an ongoing demonstration that he cares more about supporting the president than he does about representing the will of his district.

The automated poll of 509 registered voters in the district was conducted by Powell Phones of Portland, Oregon on August 28, 2007 and is being donated to Burner’s campaign as an in-kind contribution by 21st Century Democrats. For full poll results, visit: http://www.21stcenturydems.org/candidates/darcy-burner-leading-in-the-polls