McDermott represents a liberal mecca in Seattle peopled by druggies, hiv spreaders, and professional protestors, none of whom is eligible for the draft by reason of insanity. He has nothing to lose, at least in his own district.
McDermott could rape a 12 year old girl in broad daylight and still get reelected.
(No, I am not accusing him of any such thing, just saying that his district is so safe he would still win if the primary was over and they didn't Toricelli him)