Unlike the close battle for a central Spokane House seat, the other local legislative race in Tuesday's primary with more than two candidates came to a decisive conclusion early.

Democrat Dennis Dellwo, a former state representative, easily topped three Republicans to advance general election. He'll face Republican Jeff Holy, an attorney, who almost doubled the tally of third-place finisher Ben Oakley, a former aide to state Rep. Kevin Parker.

Despite his first-place finish, Dellwo faces a significant challenge in the district if Republicans unite behind Holy. More than half the voters in the 6th Legislative District voted for a GOP candidate in the race.

But Dellwo said Wednesday that he likes his chances.

"The experts tell me that when you have three formidable contenders on the other side, as we did, they believe I would be able to pick up between 6 and 8 percent," Dellwo said.

Fourth-place finisher, retired Cheney Public Schools Superintendent Larry Keller said Wednesday that he will endorse Holy in the November election.

Keller said one disadvantage he faced was that Holy had name recognition from an earlier run for Spokane County Commission. He said he and Oakley also may have split the vote among more moderate Republicans.

Attempts made to reach Oakley on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

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