Democratic candidate Suzan DelBene, who plans to unseat Congressman Dave Reichert in 2010, failed to vote nine times during the past five years, according to records obtained by The Stranger of Seattle.
The Medina resident, a former Microsoft executive and entrepreneur, missed the general elections in 2005 and 2006, as well as last year’s Democratic presidential primary.
Reichert never missed a vote during that time, although his absentee ballot for the 2007 primary was postmarked after election day, according to King County Elections.
DelBene told The Reporter that she regrets not having voted, but declined to comment on why she didn’t always cast a ballot. She also said her supporters are more focused on problems with health care and the economy rather than her voting record.
“People want to know who’s going to help them with these issues, and they don’t have that right now,” she said. “The voting record they’re concerned about right now is the voting record of Dave Reichert in Congress.”
DelBene’s voting record isn’t the only area where she’s come under scrutiny lately. Some loyal Democrats have also questioned her commitment to the party, particularly in terms of financial support.
Rob Sargent, precinct committee officer for the 41st District Democrats, points out in his blog with the Dail Kos that DelBene gave no contributions above the $200 mark in the last two election cycles.
“Bear in mind this is a person that lives in a mansion in Medina, a town of about 3,000 with an average home price of $1.6 million,” Sargent wrote.
DelBene contributed $2,500 to Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell between 2000 and 2003, as well as $1,000 to Senator Patty Murray in 2002.
DelBene says she didn’t think about running for office until after the last general election, explaining that the effects of the faltering economy hit a sore spot.
“Growing up, my family struggled economically,” she said. “I know what it’s like to have a family that doesn’t have work and is struggling to get by. It’s important to me personally that we address these issues, like the economy and creating opportunities for individual families and businesses in the 8th District.”
Sargent has said that he will give his full support to DelBene if she wins the Democratic ticket.
