McGavik has a commercial that says Cantwell was the biggest spender

[Suich]

in the 108th congress, "even bigger than Ted Kennedy."

I would appreciate some insight into what he's talking about.

Thanks!

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. Probably a reference to campaign spending

In 2000, Cantwell set a record for the most money spent in a Senate campaign ever. The record has been broken since then, but her spending raised quite a few eyebrows.

[TruthDetector]

2. It was actually based on her voting record

She voted for more spending than anyone else in the Senate, even Teddy.

[geniph]

3. That claim has been debunked

"In his radio ad, McGavick said the National Taxpayers Union ranked Cantwell as the No. 1 spender in the U.S. Senate.

Peter Sepp, spokesman for the Alexandria, Va.-based group, said his organization tracks all votes on spending, but it is careful not to rank individual senators because it doesn't include "earmarks" and other spending measures directly inserted into legislation.

"We don't use that kind of label — that so-and-so is the biggest tight wad and so-and-so is the biggest spender," Sepp said. "It depends on the yardstick you care to use."

And here's the Tri-Cities Herald - not exactly a bastion of far-left thinking - on that topic:

"On the acknowledged out-of-control spending by the Republican Congress, McGavick says he wants a spending freeze, a 10 percent cut in some programs and election of true deficit hawks.

Cantwell notes it's the Republicans who've controlled the spending and looks for a return to the days when there was a budget surplus."

http://www.cantwell.com/news/article/view/?id=182

Again, you're quoting right-wing talking points here.

[TruthDetector]

4. No it wasn't.

What you just pointed out is that it is true, but that they don't want to use that label.

I don't use ANYONES talking points, but thank you for putting the campaign spin on the topic.

[geniph]

5. Farewell, oh our short-lived friend.

Thanks for playing.

[baby_bear]

6. Most people have caught on to that bogus statement

Hi geniph!

It is actually pretty funny to accuse any Democrat of being the "biggest spender" since the
spending bills are originate in the House, and both the House and Senate are totally under Republican control, so it would be pretty interesting - actually, quite impressive -- if a
Democrat had been able to "spend" money not approved specifically by the Republicans.

It's ludicrous. McGavick's ads are horrible and hypocritical.

b_b

[Pierzin]

7. thank You baby bear!!!! Truth to Power

and we will win! Good Point!

How can Maria be the biggest spender, if the GOP controls all the budget bills??? Wooooohooo!