Spokane, Washington (CNN) - In an election year colored by sharp rhetoric and voter anger, Dino Rossi's mellow demeanor could be viewed as a drawback in his race against Sen. Patty Murray in Washington.
His laid-back disposition was on display in Thursday's debate in Spokane, the first of two between the candidates, which saw a feisty Murray defending her votes in Washington while Rossi responded with a combination of shrugs and serene criticism of government spending.
Rossi, though, defended his style on Friday, calling it an asset in a time of great political polarization.
"Sometimes people mistake my calm demeanor and affable style for a lack of passion, but that's usually to their detriment," said Rossi, a former state senator and two-time gubernatorial candidate. "I understand what we need to do and why we need to do it and I clearly state it."
Unlike some other GOP Senate nominees who have emerged this cycle promising to fight the Obama administration tooth and nail, Rossi said he sees himself as a consensus builder.
"It's also the style that's allowed me to work across the aisle with conservative Democrats when I was balancing budgets as a state senator," he told CNN. "Hopefully I can lend those skills in Washington D.C. because we see just sheer partisanship back there. Which I think has to end, it's not good for the country. Some of these problems are just two big for one party to solve."
Dino, shouldn't you get back to making your fortune selling forecloased homes?
What in the world is this man talking about?
He always has a smug look on his face. Washington didnt want you for Mayor and we sure dont want you for Senator......Just go away!
What is this? Another wet kiss piece of free publicity for a Republican from Peter Hamby!!
At least he is not going hyterical and whining and crying and telling lies about things like that incompetent, inept, lying, corrupt union toady president that the liberals stole the election for. Have you heard some of the crap that bozo puts out? And people believe him because they are to ashamed to admit they were so stupid to have voted for him in 2008. Swallow your pride liberals, lets get some good government back.