Sen. Patty Murray and her entourage cruised into Bothell last Friday and one Web reader wasn’t happy about it.

On the story “Main Street in Bothell to be closed today for Sen. Murray event; businesses will be open,” Eric (no last name given) vehemently responded — twice: “HORRIBLE!! I live in (and love) downtown Bothell and can’t believe we would participate in partisan events.”

It’s plain and simple — Murray grew up in Bothell and she wanted to reconnect with the downtown atmosphere, the residents and business people she loved as a kid (you can read all about her passion for the Main Street scene in the news section).

Sure, the Democrat wanted to work on gaining some votes for the November election against Republican challenger Dino Rossi. And there’s no better a place to visit than your hometown.

However, we must remember that Rossi deserves a shot, as well, and the Reporter featured a question-and-answer article on him in March when he was deciding whether to run against Murray*. And he did well in the Aug. 17 primary and should put up a fight in November, too.

Rossi will surely be holding similar campaign rallies leading up to the election, and his hometown and other cities across the state can bet on a Rossi visit soon.

But there’s one thing that both Murray and Rossi can agree upon, and that’s helping small businesses succeed in this tough economy.

Again and again, Murray has championed the small guys, and she’ll continue to do so. And that’s one of the main reasons why she walked Bothell’s Main Street. She came home to help, and everyone wins when that happens.

Web editor’s note: The story in question was produced by one of the Bothell Reporter’s sister publications, the Sammamish Reporter, which is why the link leads to that site.