McKenna, Inslee advance to general election
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OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee advanced through Washington state's primary Tuesday night, setting up what is expected to be one of the most competitive governor's races in the country.
Early results had Inslee with 47 percent of the vote and McKenna with 43 percent, putting them far ahead of seven other contenders in the gubernatorial contest.
Inslee called the result a "really positive milestone on the way to November."
Under the state's "top two" primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.
"As they say in the Olympics, the prelims are over, now on to the final," McKenna told a cheering crowd at the state Republican Party headquarters in Bellevue.
McKenna and Inslee have each raised more than $7 million already, and their campaigns have been focused against each other for months.
They are vying to replace Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is not seeking a third term.
In another statewide race, U.S. Maria Cantwell advanced to the November ballot, along with Republican state Sen. Michael Baumgartner. Voters are also choosing candidates for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, three state Supreme Court seats and dozens of legislative seats.
Washington and three other states - Kansas, Michigan and Missouri - are holding primaries Tuesday.
All of Washington's 3.7 million voters receive their ballots by mail, and had to have them postmarked and in the mail by Tuesday or dropped off at specialized boxes around the state by 8 p.m. Ballots were sent out last month.
All of the state's 39 counties reported their initial returns Tuesday night, and will do updates to their counts as ballots continue to arrive in the mail in the coming days.
Reed had been predicting a 46 percent turnout. As of Tuesday night, turnout was 22 percent but was expected to increase as ballots continue to arrive.
All 10 congressional seats were on the ballot, but all eyes were on the competitive 1st District. Voters for the newly redistricted seat - which runs from northern King County to the Canadian border - had five Democrats, one Republican and one independent to choose from.
Republican John Koster advanced to the November ballot along with former Microsoft executive Suzan DelBene, a Democrat who had to fend off a slate of other Democrats.
Voters in the old 1st District - which includes Kitsap County - also voted in a special election for the final month of Inslee's term, and Koster and DelBene advanced in that race as well.
In the race for lieutenant governor, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen advanced to November, along with former Republican state Sen. Bill Finkbeiner.
An open seat for Washington's top election official also has attracted a large crowd. Kim Wyman, Thurston County's Republican auditor advanced through the primary, as did Democrat Kathleen Drew, a former state senator and former aide to Gregoire.
In the race to replace retiring Auditor Brian Sonntag, Republican James Watkins advanced through the primary with more than 45 percent of the vote. Rep. Troy Kelley of Tacoma had more than 24 percent, and Sen. Craig Pridemore of Vancouver had more than 20 percent as they battled for the second spot.
In some races, the primary was more decisive. The three seats for state Supreme Court, as well as the race for the state's top education post, are subject to special rules that allow any candidate who gets more than 50 percent of the vote to advance alone to the general election ballot.
Randy Dorn, the current superintendent of public instruction, advanced by more than 54 percent, a large enough margin that he can likely advance to the general ballot unopposed.
Justices Susan Owens and Steve Gonzalez easily retained their seats, and Seattle appeals lawyer Sheryl Gordon McCloud is leading a crowded field seeking to replace retiring Justice Tom Chambers.
McCloud is leading with nearly 32 percent of the vote. Former Justice Richard Sanders is collecting 27.5 percent, King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Hilyer 25.6 percent, and former Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg 15 percent. If no candidate wins 50 percent, the top two advance to the general election.
Early results had Inslee with 47 percent of the vote and McKenna with 43 percent, putting them far ahead of seven other contenders in the gubernatorial contest.
Inslee called the result a "really positive milestone on the way to November."
Under the state's "top two" primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party.
"As they say in the Olympics, the prelims are over, now on to the final," McKenna told a cheering crowd at the state Republican Party headquarters in Bellevue.
McKenna and Inslee have each raised more than $7 million already, and their campaigns have been focused against each other for months.
They are vying to replace Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is not seeking a third term.
In another statewide race, U.S. Maria Cantwell advanced to the November ballot, along with Republican state Sen. Michael Baumgartner. Voters are also choosing candidates for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, three state Supreme Court seats and dozens of legislative seats.
Washington and three other states - Kansas, Michigan and Missouri - are holding primaries Tuesday.
All of Washington's 3.7 million voters receive their ballots by mail, and had to have them postmarked and in the mail by Tuesday or dropped off at specialized boxes around the state by 8 p.m. Ballots were sent out last month.
All of the state's 39 counties reported their initial returns Tuesday night, and will do updates to their counts as ballots continue to arrive in the mail in the coming days.
Reed had been predicting a 46 percent turnout. As of Tuesday night, turnout was 22 percent but was expected to increase as ballots continue to arrive.
All 10 congressional seats were on the ballot, but all eyes were on the competitive 1st District. Voters for the newly redistricted seat - which runs from northern King County to the Canadian border - had five Democrats, one Republican and one independent to choose from.
Republican John Koster advanced to the November ballot along with former Microsoft executive Suzan DelBene, a Democrat who had to fend off a slate of other Democrats.
Voters in the old 1st District - which includes Kitsap County - also voted in a special election for the final month of Inslee's term, and Koster and DelBene advanced in that race as well.
In the race for lieutenant governor, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen advanced to November, along with former Republican state Sen. Bill Finkbeiner.
An open seat for Washington's top election official also has attracted a large crowd. Kim Wyman, Thurston County's Republican auditor advanced through the primary, as did Democrat Kathleen Drew, a former state senator and former aide to Gregoire.
In the race to replace retiring Auditor Brian Sonntag, Republican James Watkins advanced through the primary with more than 45 percent of the vote. Rep. Troy Kelley of Tacoma had more than 24 percent, and Sen. Craig Pridemore of Vancouver had more than 20 percent as they battled for the second spot.
In some races, the primary was more decisive. The three seats for state Supreme Court, as well as the race for the state's top education post, are subject to special rules that allow any candidate who gets more than 50 percent of the vote to advance alone to the general election ballot.
Randy Dorn, the current superintendent of public instruction, advanced by more than 54 percent, a large enough margin that he can likely advance to the general ballot unopposed.
Justices Susan Owens and Steve Gonzalez easily retained their seats, and Seattle appeals lawyer Sheryl Gordon McCloud is leading a crowded field seeking to replace retiring Justice Tom Chambers.
McCloud is leading with nearly 32 percent of the vote. Former Justice Richard Sanders is collecting 27.5 percent, King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Hilyer 25.6 percent, and former Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg 15 percent. If no candidate wins 50 percent, the top two advance to the general election.
McKenna for one is the best choice in my book, I look at Inslee and just shake my head . Olympia WA needs some checks and balences and in this case I feel McKenna is the better bet, Inslee I just can't see as changing enough if they become governor!.. I typically vote democrate and I am choosing to support McKenna what does that say regarding my feelings for change in Olympia?...it means democrates need a losening of the reins and I think McKenna is the balance we need!
All I know is that this state is in bad shape, and the Democrats have been in charge here for decades. Time to boot them out of office.
I work with someone who's wife went to school with Inslee, I have seen his voting record and heard stories of him, he is NOT what the state needs. Â We need a "Business" friendly Gov'nor, not a handout Gov'nor. Â We need JOBS, not more "ART" programs or spending sprees.
I haven't read all the comments but I have one big request from BOTH parties: Stop with the mud slinging and dirty politics! I don't think most of us buy it, nor are we influenced by it. This goes for the media, as well. You sling mud against your opponent, we just might for him or her, because we won't respect you. Keep it honestly factual, and be candidates of integrity. Thank you.
@Yadayada I'll be happy to do that when Inslee drops out of the race. Until then, the people need to know the truth.
Either one of these gentlemen will be quite a significant upgrade from the current occupant in the position.
Ahh! Put all the names of all those candidates in a hat and draw for all the good you think it will do. All politicians are good for one thing..... misrepresenting the American people.
IÂ believe Mr.Jay Inslee will win eventually regardless what those Republican supporters say.....
@scychan I was going to comment that seattle liberals would vote for any idiot if he put a D in front of his name,Looks like they're proving my point,voting in a moron with a D in front of his name.
 @toadaway  @scychan "proving my point,voting in a moron with a D in front of his name."
Compared to voting for a political farce with an "R" in front of his name, I'll take the D...
 @toadaway  @OrcasThunder  @scychan
Yawn...
@OrcasThunder @scychan This state is on the brink of becoming California 2,the failed policies of the last 8 years have not helped,4 more years of the same failures will not solve our problems,its time for change.Not the phoney smoke and mirrors change of our fearless leader.
 @OrcasThunder  @toadaway  @scychan ....that IV drip filled with kool-aid you're permanently hooked up to must make mobility tough on you......
 @toadaway  @scychan The Queen & her loyal flock put the DSrate $10 Billion in debt at the height of their spend now, raise taxes later policies.
...and now, if the primary vote is an indication of which way the pendulum will swing in November, Chrissy''s hand appointed successor will succeed her in taking over the Golden Throne in Olympia.
The liberals in this DState are in a perpetual mode of channeling the Who's Tommy when it comes to voting: Deaf, Dumb, and blind. If the braille bubble says "D", they fill in the circle.
Here's hoping they play a few pinball games & can see they light....but one's face will turn all shades of blue & purple holding their breath that long.
@albion @Sydthepiper @scychan Tax and spend hasn't worked in the last 30 years,more of the same isn't going to change anything.
   All Inslee is is gregoire 2.0,we all see how well that worked out.
 @albion It's always amazed me how people who revere "independence" tend to follow the politicians who push the group mindset one POV only mantra of the right...
 @Sydthepiper  @toadaway  @scychan I was raised moderately conservative, but then I went to college, learned to think for myself, and to look at the world scientifically, and I have been liberal ever since. It appears to me to be the natural progression. See the light indeed. I've yet to meet a conservative who is willing to truly look at reality empirically.
 @toadaway Oh cry about it.
@hoodratfriend oooh,I ruffled an idiot.
To register to vote in WA all you have to provide as proof of identity and residency is an utility bill, something that illegal aliens, felons and multi-state residents already have and that the deceased, cartoon characters, pets and children can easily forge on thier computer. It's the actual legal citizens who are disenfranchised here, especially when everyone votes absentee and fictional folk don't even have to show up at the polls.
 @Glitchus Glitch Can you prove that voter fraud has ever been a problem or effected election results in our state? There are so many real problems going on, it seems silly to focus on one that's not a problem and to try to add more rules, laws and regulations to an already too big government.
@Dan S @Glitchus Glitch Proof?Â
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Seriously? Anyone remember the recounts for Governor? Washington States motto should be: "Count 'em until they get âem where we like 'em". This is along the lines of the fuzzy math done in Olympia.Â
 @Dan S There were massive irregularities in the 2004 election in this State...if not, Sam reed would not have to made changes...you're a big boy now, look it up...but is is common knowledge for the rest of us......
 @Dan S The democrats who control this state have absolutely no interest in pursuing vote fraud, which is why we really don't know the full extent of it. But seriously, what is the problem with going to the polls and showing valid photo ID? It would protect all of us legal resident voters, regardless of party by ensuring the integrity of our elections. And unless you live in a cave, everyone has photo ID because you can't even do business or manage your affairs with the government without it, so what's the problem? Heck, you can't even attend a big democrat fundraiser or speech without providing photo ID. This whole notion that it's somehow suppressive to require the simplest amount of voter quality control tells me that democrats actually rely on vote fraud to get elected, particularly in close races.
@OrcasThunder @Glitchus Glitch   yaaawn
 @Glitchus Glitch And yet there has been NO known such events taken to the courts by the Republicans. Which sorta points to the probability that they do not exist.
I cannot imagine any right winger worth spit that would simply ignore anything of substance in the way of actual evidence - and yet all they provide nothing beyond rumors and fantasy.
As to "going to the polls and presenting a photo", perhaps you have missed the fact that almost every election in this State is now conducted by mail...
I've come to the conclusion that this state has no regard for a fiscal conservative and the nightmare will continue. Our finances are in the ditch and they keep voting for the same people who cause the problems. It's very disturbing.
I am an ex-pat Washingtonian. Â I am returning in six years in order to retire there.
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I would be pleased  if you folks would stop voting in the politicians who are destroying the home of my youth.
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As a social conservative and as a fiscal liberal I only have half of the way I live my life with any of you.
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It does seem sometimes though that I am opposite to most of you in that I believe greed in all of its forms, oppressing the poor, sodomy and abortion are ALL EVIL.
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Why don't you all get after fixing your mess?
 @JAC Washingtonians are very Socially Libertarian. We just don't want government telling us what to do as much as you big government Social Conservatives. If we want to shoot guns, marry our gay partner, have an abortion, or exercise our free speech rights, we don't care if you think they are evil, it's just none of your or big government's business. Live and let live, stop worrying about what other people are doing and focus on your own happiness, you will be much happier in the long run.
 @Dan S The thing that gets under my saddle is that I am a 3rd generation Washingtonian (I am not counting my great-grandparents who moved here when gg-ma was 13), and NONE of the people I know who were actually born here are liberals. Just goes to show that there aren't that many people who claim to be Washingtonians who were actually born in Washington. This state is made up of transplants, predominantly from California, New York, and Mexico, which is where our state's liberalism comes from. It is not born in Washington.
@OrcasThunder @here_I_go_again   yaaawn
 @here_I_go_again I was born in Seattle, and am a Liberal. Granted I was a conservative when I got out of the Army in the 60's, but I managed to cure myself of that when Richard Nixon was President.
 @here_I_go_again Hey, my great-grandparents moved here as well! And most of my family still lives here in the Puget Sound area. My uncle is conservative, though he voted for Obama due to his fear of nutty Sarah. The rest of my extended family is liberal. And I know a whole bunch of other multi-generation Washingtonians who range from liberal to moderately conservative. What I've noticed is that the sort of extreme conservative we see today tends to be from somewhere else. But, clearly generalizations aren't worth much are they h.i.g.a., eh?
@here_I_go_again @Dan S That's funny! I was born here and so were my parents, we're all liberal. You know "Live and Let Live", protect the environment. Where's the evil?
The reason I love McKenna? He took on Gregoire and Obama at the same time. We need leaders with balls.
 @Magic 8 Ball "We need leaders with balls."
And you people insist you are not waging war on women...
@OrcasThunder @Magic 8 Ball   yaaawn
...and wasted a bunch of our tax payers money fighting Obamacare. Ahh yes the party of fiscal responsibility
 @ducati Like the money Gregoire spent on refurbishing that desk?  What was it? Upwards TEN THOUSAND? Yeah, that's the fiscal sanity we need!
 @ducati how is that a waste of tax dollars? he was trying to prevent the biggest tax increase in our nations history from occuring and trying to save the quality healthcare that we have in america and cannot be beat by any other country in the world.
@takingamericaback "US Scores Dead Last Again in Healthcare Study Americans spend twice as much as residents of other developed countries on healthcare, but get lower quality, less efficiency and have the least equitable system, according to a report released on Wednesday." http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/06/23/us-usa-healthcare-last-idUSTRE65M0SU20100623 published in 2010 Then explain to me how Obamacare is "the biggest tax increase in our nations history".
@ducati Any money spent fighting that asinine idea of healthcare is money well spent.
@OrcasThunder @Smashquail @ducati  yaaawn
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@OrcasThunder @hinterland because of that pesky little thing called the constitution,which by the way is his sworn duty to uphold.
  The healthcare mandate as it was written was unconstitutional,until the liberals twisted it around to call it a tax,(which obama promised wouldn't happen),but what can you expect from a pathological liar.
 @Smashquail  @ducati Not if it's tax money.
 @ducati McKenna is opposed to the part of the government making people pay for health care, not the whole bill. So you have no problem with Gov. Greg increasing the state government by 30-40% in the last 8 years , but you wonder why we are billions in debt?
@OrcasThunder @Rider @ducati  yaaawn
 @Rider  @ducati Well, to be fair it was the politician in him that saw an opportunity to push his views using State tax money...
 @takingamericaback Its obvious you know nothing about communism or socialism or liberalism for that matter.
 @takingamericaback @hinterlandÂ
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What about civil liberties like a woman's right to choose or gay marriage? Defend those rights being taken away based on your personal religious beliefs that have nothing to do with others.
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You're right we should protect those unborn babies right up until they're born then take away their welfare checks and healthcare because the baby made the dumb choice to be born to poor people.
@ducati He didn't start the case just signed on to it. Stop giving him credit for starting a great idea that wasn't his.
 @ducati  @hinterland its people like you that cost us our freedoms that we enjoy by allowing our government to push us around. you and all the other liberals need to go to a socialist or communist country like china or north korea and live there. since you have no problem with government pushing you around.
@hinterland The SCOTUS disagrees with your opinion. It's the law, abide by it or deal with the consequences.
 @ducati Frivolous in your mind, but not in mine. If you believe the government  can force us to by a product we will never see eye to eye. Ignorant? time will tell
Stick to the topic, he started a frivolous case wasting our money while running on fiscal responsibility and his uncanny knowledge of the law. That all turned out to be completely useless and simply a way to pander to the ignorant base. In your case, his pandering worked.