This is an unbiased comparison of the political positions and policies of senate election candidates. Maria Cantwell and Michael Baumgartner in Washington. Cantwell is a Democrat and Baumgartner is a Republican.
Cantwell defeated Baumgartner to win re-election.
Comparison chart
 | Maria Cantwell | Michael Baumgartner |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Preceded by | Slade Gorton | Chris Marr |
| Born | Maria E. Cantwell, (1958-10-13) October 13, 1958 (age 53), Indianapolis, Indiana | Pullman, Washington |
| Political party | Democratic | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | None | Eleanor Mayne |
| Residence | Edmonds, Washington | Spokane, Washington |
| Alma mater | Miami University (B.A.) | Washington State University, Harvard University |
| Occupation | software executive | United States Military Economic Advisor, State Department Embedded Counternarcotics Advisor |
| Religion | Roman Catholic | Catholic |
| Website | www.cantwell.senate.gov | Campaign: www.VoteBaumgartner.com |
| Introduction (from Wikipedia) | Maria E. Cantwell (born October 13, 1958) is the junior United States Senator from the state of Washington and a member of the Democratic Party. | Michael Baumgartner is a Republican member of the Washington State Senate. |
Economic Policy
Tax Policy
- Baumgartner Jan 2012 Let business create jobs without government red tape
- Cantwell Sept 2000 Opposes making income tax flatter & lower
Social Security
- Baumgartner Jan 2012 Do not betray the promises made to our grandparents
- Cantwell Sept 2006 Absolutely oppose payroll taxes to create private accounts
Healthcare Policy
- Baumgartner Jan 2012 Replace Obamacare with more competition and flexibility
- Cantwell Sept 2000 Supports More Federal Funding for Health Coverage
Social Policy
Abortion
- Baumgartner Apr 2012 No unfettered teen access to emergency contraceptive Plan B
- Cantwell Oct 2006 Roe v. Wade is US law and WA law, so uphold it
Immigration
- Baumgartner Apr 2012 Opposes DREAM Act; reform guest worker criteria
- Cantwell March 2008 Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities"
Gay Rights
- Baumgartner April 2012 Opposes gay marriage
- Cantwell June 2006 Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage
Education Policy
- Baumgartner Jan 2012 Invest in public schools and colleges
- Cantwell Oct 2007 Voted YES on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects
Differences in Foreign Policy
Position on Iran
- Baumgartner Jan 2012 It is time to end the wars
- Cantwell Sept 2007 Voted NO on designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists
Energy Policy
- Baumgartner Jan 2012 Use America's abundant and diverse energy supplies
- Cantwell Sept 2000 Supports spending resources to stop Global Warming
Debates
The first debate was held on October 12, 2012, broadcast on KCTS 9 Television and sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Washington. An analysis of the debate is available here and here.
Opinion Polls
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Maria Cantwell (D) | Michael Baumgartner (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | February 16–19, 2012 | 51% | 36% |
Mitt Romney 
Democrats 
Obamacare 
George Allen 
Elizabeth Warren 
Conservative
Comments: Maria Cantwell vs Michael Baumgartner