Late results favor Baker in primary

Late results in the GOP primary for county assessor appear to have pushed incumbent Ralph Baker to victory.

Spokane City Councilman Brad Stark conceded the race Saturday.

“I congratulate him and look forward to working with him in my capacity as a city councilman,” Stark said.

As of Saturday, Baker led with 50.6 percent of the votes, 24,295 to 23,747.

After the first count of votes on Tuesday, the race was so tight that the county auditor’s office began to prepare for a recount. But Baker’s lead has grown each day since.

Paul Brandt, Spokane County’s election manager, said there are about 4,000 votes left to process.

Baker’s late surge may have been prompted by a decision from the county GOP to disavow Stark in the final days of the campaign.

Stark said he is unsure whether he will endorse Baker but hopes to meet with him soon.

Bakerwill face Democrat Judy Personett in the general election.