"There is going to be some posturing before we get to reality," Senator Murray said.

Most analysts continue to see much evidence that Senator Murray has the upper hand.

"Study after study shows that smaller classes help children," said Senator Murray.

"Will the last aerospace worker in America please turn out the lights," Senator Murray remarked.

But the club says its early spots helped Senator Murray solidify her support among people who care about the environment.

Senator Murray discusses her bill to provide help for veterans looking for work.

Senator Murray's biggest challenge, analysts say, is conveying to voters what she has achieved in office.

Senator Murray, whose parents died in 1997 and 1998, said the difficulty of caring for parents was hard to talk about in a public context.

But Senator Murray's celebration of her family life is the exception.

"Senator Murray is not talking about pay for play," Brand said.