Now taking on U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings (not a doctor) in the 4th Congressional District is George Fearing, attorney, democrat, and son of a Christian minister. We hear Dusty Springfield singing his theme song already.

The 4th CD includes Hanford and the Tri-Cities, Yakima and the rest of central Washington and is considered safely Republican. But, with this year’s Democrats unquestionably riding high on momentum and calls for change, other safe seats have fallen. According to The Hill, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) admits that their recent electoral strategies have failed and they fear losing even more U.S. House seats in what has become "a very difficult environment" for Republicans.

Three "safely Republican" congressional districts have already flipped in special elections: Dennis Hastert (R-IL) gave way to Bill Foster (D); Richard Baker (R-LA) resigned to make room for Don Cazayoux (D); and Roger Wicker (R-MS) was appointed to Senate, allowing a win for Travis Childers (D).

In Washington, Rep. Dave Reichert is almost certainly one of those lost House Republicans. Rep. Doc Hastings could be another.