Steve Beren admitted to 34th District Republicans on May 16 that challenging Washington's "congressman for life" is a daunting task.

But, Beren declared, "There's no candidate I'd rather run against than (Seventh District Democratic Rep.) Jim McDermott.

"In King County, in the Seventh District, for too long we've had a controversial, extremist congressman" who has given his constituents "a lack of representation."

McDermott is "one of the most ineffective (members of Congress) in constituent service, who spends more time with enemies of this country than he does with members of his district," Beren charged.

"He says he supports the troops but doesn't support the war on terror ... That's like supporting fire fighters but letting the fire burn."

Beren added that "if ever there was a congressman who should pursue an exit strategy, it is Jim McDermott."

He also criticized McDermott for saying that Iran is not a threat to the United States and for earlier statements that Afghanistan and Iraq were not threats.

Turning to the problem of illegal immigration, Beren said the United States must secure its borders first, even in peace time and especially when the country is at war.

"I oppose an amnesty," he said.

"I will represent the Seventh District better in my first 18 months than Jim McDermott has done in 18 years," Beren said.

"I will take Republican values and put them in the mainstream of political debate....

"It's time to end the monologue and being a dialogue ... Every meeting Jim McDermott goes to, I'll be there unless it's physically impossible," he promised. "I'll hold his feet to the fire."

Noting that McDermott enjoys strong union support, Beren said that support comes from union leaders and many union workers share Republican values.

"They are pro gun. They are pro-property rights," he said.

Ralph Nichols can be reached at 444.4873 or newsdesk@robinsonnews.com