The state Republican Party and couldbe candidate Dino Rossi were quick Tuesday to denounce a Selah man's death threat against U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

Rossi spokeswoman Mary Lane said he was "horrified by this awful news, prays for Sen. Murray's safety, and condemns any threats made to any public official." State GOP Chairman Luke Esser also condemned the activity: "Threats of violence have no place in our political process. We are pleased that this man has been taken into custody."

The man in question, Charles Alan Wilson, allegedly called Murray's office numerous times in recent months, most recently making threats over her vote for health care reform, using phrases that suggested he was armed and planned to use it. Wilson was arrested earlier Tuesday.

Health care is expected to be a major issue in the fall elections, but could violence against officials who voted for health care be a game-changer that works against Republicans?

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