As many as three million people are expected to attend the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. The security concerns and economic opportunities are great for both Canada and Washington state.

Planned Parenthood National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and NARAL Pro-Choice America have all highly rated his position on abortion. He formerly worked as director of public affairs for the Washington State Dental Association and as a lobbyist for the dental profession. He also worked for the city of Everett Washington as director of economic development for the city's port.

Representative for Washington's 2nd congressional district which includes the Canadian bordering exclave Point Roberts serving since 2001. S. He is a member of the Democratic Party.