It’s interesting to watch the remaining bits and pieces of the old system of politics. One of the old rules: When an officeholder is unbeatable, the opposite party treats the election as an audition. Real power-seekers don’t waste time and energy on dislodging a firm incumbent.
Spokane’s congressional district has a long history of lifetime incumbents. Walt Horan 1942 to 1964, Tom Foley 1964 to 1994, Cathy McMorris 2004 to 2024. Those lifetime incumbents become part of the DC structure and lose contact with home, especially true of Speaker Foley.
The district is tricky in party terms. The city of Spokane is genocidally bonkers #Resistance DNC. The rest of the big area, and the majority of the population, is agricultural.
So DNC lets the rabid #Resisters run for office but doesn’t bet money on them. At the moment there are 11 D candidates, with more joining every day.
Polistra's Mill 