I didn't read all of this thread because frankly you only have to skim to get the gist.
Slade Gorton is not his own man. You want to know exactly how Slade will vote on each and every issue you just need to follow the money. This man is a puppet of big business and big dollars nothing else. I do not believe, after all these years, that he actually has a thought of his own any more. It should not matter whether you are a Dem or Rep since this guy doesn't represent you either way unless you are lining his pockets with big coin.
On a side note...what other politician, Dem or Rep, openly admits to being anti-environmental? Normally you'd think that would mean the end of your political career. Amazing he's been around this long.