Up here in the enlightened left corner of the United States, our political landscape is completely opposite from the national scene.

In the nation’s capital, Republicans control the White House, the Congress and the Supreme Court.

Here in the beautiful sky-blue state of Washington, the Democrats rule the Governor’s office, Legislature and our Congressional delegation.

That’s why my conservative colleague, Ralph Nichols, is concerned about election irregularities in King County, but not Ohio or Florida.

And that’s why he rants about how the Democrats are handling the state’s big budget surplus, instead of worrying about the huge national budget deficit the Bush Administration is racking up.

I don’t blame Ralph for being grumpy.

Last week was another disasterous seven days for President Bush: News reports detailed that Iraq was tipping toward civil war, the Coast Guard had previously raised objections about the Dubai ports deal, Bush had been told before Hurricane Katrina that New Orleans’ levees may break, etc.

President Bush’s approval rating dipped into the 30s.

Comedian Jon Stewart presents an interesting take on how to look at Vice President “Dead-eye Dick” Cheney’s approval rating: More dentists recommend sugared gum for their patients who chew gum (one out of five, 20 percent) than CBS News Poll respondents approve of Cheney’s job performance (18 percent).

Meanwhile, in our state, Associated Press political writer Dave Ammons calls Gov. Gregoire the “negotiator in chief” for her series of legislative successes.

And the Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorializes, “Gregoire has played a remarkable role in shepherding complex and controversial legislation that has been deadlocked for years. Regardless of GOP lawmakers’ laments over the amount of proposed additional spending, Gregoire also gets credit for setting the spending parameters early on and insisting that the legislature leave a healthy budget reserve.”

I agree with Ralph that citizens should get involved in grassroots politics. But, I suggest that Democrats stop following the news. They don’t want to become overconfident.

Mayor Greg Nickels wants to destroy Seattle’s most scenic roadway.

See? It is all in how you frame the issue.

The Emerald City’s mayor prefers to say he favors replacing the ugly gray Alaskan Way Viaduct that walls off downtown from its waterfront with an underground tunnel. The abandoned surface could be used for a park and economic development.

But last week Nickels’ plans were sidetracked by the state House Transportation Committee. The lawmakers voted to remove the tunnel option unless Nickels could show by April Fool’s Day he has adequate financing. A later compromise pushed the deadline forward to New Year’s Day and allowed Gov. Christine Gregoire to make the decision.

The Viaduct is not located in our community, but Highline drivers use it extensively. It offers a nearly straight shot down SR 509 to downtown or the Seattle Center.

It’s also a great alternate route when I-5 is plugged up.

The Viaduct is an eyesore but you must admit the view from it is spectacular.

To the west, you’ve got a postcard view of Elliott Bay and beyond. Look the other way to gaze on a gorgeous urban skyline.

The Viaduct has to come down. The five-year anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake is a sharp reminder of that.

So, the question is what to replace it with. A $2 billion rebuild may be the answer.

Mayor Nickels says a tunnel would cost between $3.1 billion and $3.6 billion. Former SeaTac Mayor Frank Hansen maintains it could cost up to $11 million.

A new tunnel that benefits only the Seattle swells is just too expensive, especially when there are other pressing transportation needs.

For Highline motorists there are important projects in our own area and on nearby freeways we frequently drive.

The most obvious is the long-delayed SR-509 extension. The project is ready to go. All it needs is money.

Improvements to I-405 and SR-167 would also make life a lot easier for some Highline commuters.

Eric Mathison can be reached at hteditor@robinsonnews.com or 206-388-1855.