Sounding Out Washington Senn Race Tightens As Election Nears Poll Shows Virtual Dead Heat With Gop Challenger Lowe

State Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn looked invincible a month ago, but a new poll suggests her re-election bid could be in trouble.

The Democrat is in a dead heat with Republican Anthony Lowe, according to a scientific survey conducted for The Spokesmani-Review and KHQ-TV.

Senn blew through the Sept. 17 primary with 55 percent of the vote while Lowe squeaked past a thick field of Republicans with just 15 percent.

But the new poll shows Lowe just 2 points behind the incumbent, with 35 percent to Senn’s 37 percent. Another 28 percent of voters are undecided.

Lowe was elated Monday with the numbers, which have the race as a tie considering the poll’s margin of error.

“The reason we’ve pulled even is that Anthony Lowe stands for lower rates and more choice,” he said.

Lowe also claimed an ongoing state investigation of Senn’s office is draining her popularity. “The more people learn about Deborah Senn the less they like her.”

Senn said the survey results “aren’t particularly surprising” considering polls of low-profile races usually follow party lines.

She also said the primary election numbers are more significant.

“I feel that was clearly a message from the voters that they support the job I’m doing, that this is an office that protects consumers.”

By contrast, she said, Lowe is backed by and beholden to the insurance industry.

The poll was conducted last week by Mason-Dixon/Political Media Research, Inc. The national firm surveyed 813 registered voters across the state.

Voters were asked about the race at the same time the state auditor’s office reported it is investigating a massive whistleblower complaint about Senn and the way she runs her office.

Some Senn employees accuse her of bullying workers, hiring unqualified friends and directing the concealment of documents that could help health insurers now suing her department.

Senn, who declines to address the complaint because she has yet to see the allegations, said this about the investigation: “There is a very small group of employees who are opposed to the work I’m doing, and they have attempted to create a disruption. However, they have not succeeded, because we have continued to protect consumers around the state.”

But Del Ali, a Mason-Dixon analyst, speculated that the auditor’s investigation could affect the race. “That could give Lowe a good window of opportunity,” he said.

Ali also said undecided voters traditionally support challengers over incumbents. “What they’re looking for is more information on the challenger.”

Lowe, 35, is a former deputy prosecutor and U.S. Senate aide. He is considered a promising politician and is endorsed by most prominent state Republicans.

Senn, 49, is considered a courageous consumer champion by many constituents. Ralph Nader calls her the best insurance commissioner in the country.

Her controversial policies and refusal to grant rate hikes to health insurers have turned the insurance industry against her.

Ali said Senn benefits from the fact it’s a “good year to be a Democrat” in Washington, largely because of Clinton coattails. He also predicted the Lowe-Senn battle “could be one of the state’s most exciting races.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Insurance race still up for grabs