We linked the new Washington Poll from UW politics prof Matt Barreto in this morning's Morning Fizz.

Here's one thing I thought was noteworthy: U.S. Sen. Patty Murray has a bigger lead over Dino Rossi (four points) than she does over a generic Republican (three points).



Let me say that another way:



Rossi, supposedly the GOP's deus ex machina, doesn't seem to rescue the party.

I don't take polls very seriously until the real campaigning starts—and so far, only the Democrats have been campaigning against Rossi. But if there's something to note here it's this: This year's race is not going to be personality-driven.  There's either going to be a GOP wave or not. Rossi, even with his broad name recognition, doesn't appear to bring any special advantages to the GOP brand.

The GOP brand is certainly more interesting to figure out this season than the Demoratic one. The Washington Times has the latest article on the Tea Party/Clint Didier complications for Dino Rossi.