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Challenger Wiggins pulls closer to Justice Sanders
Challenger Charlie Wiggins is cutting into Justice Richard Sanders’ lead in the contest for a state Supreme Court seat.
State leaders see tighter coffer, bipartisan tilt
OLYMPIA – Washington politicians who had any doubt the public is in no mood for more taxes should have had that cleared up Tuesday. For the budget struggles ahead next year, voter sentiment is clear: Don’t ask us for more money, cut the budget. Voters sank a proposal for a state income tax on the wealthy, struck down temporary taxes on soda, candy, bottled water and some processed foods, and reinstated a two-thirds supermajority for passing any new taxes.
Incumbent Larsen’s lead over challenger grows
Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen continues to expand his lead over Republican challenger John Koster.
Election season had smears, jeers, memorable moments
With the 2010 election all over but the counting – admittedly the counting still is important in a few races – it seems appropriate to look back over the campaign. It was an avalanche of nasty ads, debates over debates, commercials and visits from out-of-state big shots played out against a backdrop of voters worried about their next paycheck, house payment or bag of groceries. And that’s looking at things as an optimist. Maybe the best that can be said about it is, it’s over. But before it fades from memory, here are some of the highlights and lowlifes of Campaign 2010.
Washington election turnout may top 70 percent
Washington elections officials say a late surge in ballots will likely push the turnout for Tuesday’s election to 70 percent or higher.
Murray secures Senate victory
Democrat Patty Murray won a fourth term in the U.S. Senate, building a lead of nearly 50,000 votes over Republican rival Dino Rossi as counting continued Thursday. Faced with a near mathematical impossibility of catching her even though hundreds of thousands of votes remain to be counted, Rossi conceded Thursday evening.
State Senate control hinges on tight races
SEATTLE – Democrats were holding onto slim leads in three races in King and Snohomish counties that will decide which party controls the state Senate next year, Thursday’s ballot returns showed. Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, extended his small lead over Republican challenger Dave Schmidt to about 250 votes. Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, extended his margin to about 630 votes. In the Federal Way-area 30th District, Democratic Sen. Tracey Eide’s lead held steady with more than 660 votes.
Challenger gains on justice
SEATTLE – Bainbridge Island attorney Charlie Wiggins is cutting into the slim lead held by Justice Richard Sanders as Sanders tries to retain his seat on the Washington state Supreme Court. In updated vote totals Thursday evening, Sanders led 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent. That was a slight improvement for Wiggins, who trailed by 2 percentage points to start the day.
Murray wins, Rossi concedes
Patty Murray’s lead in the U.S. Senate race became insurmountable Thursday, prompting Republican challenger Dino Rossi to concede at 6:15 p.m.
Candy, pop and water taxes gone Dec. 1
Higher taxes on candy, gum, bottled water and pop will soon be gone.
Incumbent Murray expands lead in Senate race
Democratic incumbent Patty Murray and Republican challenger Dino Rossi headed into a third day of vote tallies today with no clear winner in Washington state’s U.S. Senate race.