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180bridge builderto see Indians in a different way. You had Warren Magnuson fightingas strongly for Indians as he ever fought against them at the end of hisSenate career.”The 1980 Senate race between Magnuson and Gorton was Billy’sfirst major foray into mainstream electoral politics. He campaignedrelentlessly on behalf of his new friend, Warren Magnuson, anddoggedly against his longtime adversary, Slade Gorton. For all hispower and prestige, Magnuson found himself in the fight of hispolitical life.Maggie’s well-worn senate seat had long held a political giant—one-half a super-duo with Scoop Jackson. The two were coined the“Gold Dust Twins.” The moniker reflected sizable contracts and federallyfunded projects the two senators secured for Washington State.Maggie’s role as chairman of the Appropriations Committee greatlyinfluenced how the federal government divided a half-trillion-dollarbudget. “He is scrupulously fair with federal funds; one half forWashington state, one half for the rest of the country,” quippedWalter Mondale.Magnuson touted his experience as appropriations chair in thecampaign. “But federal fiscal restraint has become attractive even tovoters in Washington,” observed Time Magazine. “As a result, Magnuson’spork-barrel record is no longer the asset that it was in pastcampaigns.”In a clever spin, the Gorton camp declared it was time to giveMaggie a gold watch and elect “Washington’s next great senator.”Because Gorton was known for his vehement opposition to the BoldtDecision, the campaign focused on the lingering bitterness over thefish wars. “Sportsmen for Gorton,” they printed on bumper stickers.Pundits mused that the presidential race was too close to call. ButRonald Reagan handily defeated Jimmy Carter in a landslide thatsent Magnuson—and a dozen or so Democratic Party senators—packing. “Vote Republican for a Change,” the party appealed. Voterslistened.