SAFECO President and CEO Mike McGavick is expected to announce his intention to run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Maria Cantwell. The Republican's all-but-certain candidacy assures one of the most vigorous, fascinating Senate races in years.

McGavick can run as a newcomer and old hand at the same time. As former-Sen. Slade Gorton's chief of staff, he knows the inner workings of Washington, D.C., though he has never run for office himself. McGavick would bring political experience and business savvy. He is credited with leading the turnaround of Safeco. Between now and November 2006, he ought to explain how he differs from President Bush. Many Washington voters are leery of Bush's budget deficit and the Iraq war, causing the president to lose this state in his re-election. Democrat Cantwell voted for the war.

Republican plans are aligning rapidly. Impressed by former state Sen. Dino Rossi's near-win in the governor's race, party leaders wanted Rossi to challenge Cantwell. Rossi's decision last week to steer clear of the Senate race makes sense on several levels.

For starters, Rossi vowed to be a business-oriented, change agent of state government. He preserves that role by skipping the Senate race.

Additionally, part of Rossi's appeal was his self-description as someone who is not a career politician. Time flies in politics. In a few years, he can begin another run for governor as a candidate with interests outside politics.

McGavick may not be the only Republican challenger. Though the GOP has tried recently to unite behind one candidate, former federal prosecutor Diane Tebelius and former TV anchorperson Susan Hutchison have also been mentioned.

Cantwell is no sitting duck. She has raised $3.6 million and has done first-rate work on behalf of electricity ratepayers harmed by the Western energy crisis. She also led the charge, albeit unsuccessfully, to prevent oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Washington is a pro-choice state. McGavick and other Republican contenders could distinguish themselves by opposing U.S. Supreme Court nominees who oppose abortion rights. It may alienate some voters in the primary election but would pay off in the general, especially among suburban women.

McGavick-Cantwell, if that is the matchup, will be an expensive, full-throttle contest between two candidates who bring a lot of smarts and heft to the challenge.