Washington Republicans were lifted by a national tide in Tuesday’s elections, one that cost Democrats at least one of the state’s congressional seats and left a key U.S. Senate seat in doubt. Early returns indicate the tide will carry more Republicans into the still solidly Democratic-controlled Legislature in Olympia, and to the already Republican-dominated courthouse in Spokane. Because Washington votes will continue to arrive in the mail for more than a week, close races might not be decided until right before Thanksgiving.

State Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat trailing challenger Michael Baumgartner, talks about the second drop of results Tuesday night, Nov. 2, 2010.

State Sen. Chris Marr addresses Democrats at the Lincoln Center on Tuesday night, Nov. 2, 2010.

After being bombarded by political attack ads from both sides in one of the most contentious elections in years, some Spokane-area residents are fed up with all the “insanity.” Some 200 people gathered at noon Saturday at the Riverfront Park Floating Stage for the Rally to Restore Sanity, Spokane’s version of Jon Stewart’s Washington, D.C., rally. The event, held just three days before Tuesday’s election, was organized by Spokane Democrats. It combined comedy acts and political pep talks to send a message: Be reasonable. Take things down a notch.

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner answer the question, "Should state law be changed to allow cities to fire fully independent police ombudsmen without seeking approval from police unions?"

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner answer the question, "What is your position on funding aimed at lowering class sizes?"

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner answer the question, "What else do you want voters to know about you?"

Washington state Sen. Chris Marr, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Michael Baumgartner answer the question, "Do you support Initiative 1082, which would privatize workers' compensation?"

It may soon be the million-dollar race. And with so much money, voters’ mailboxes and television sets are filled with a lot of information – and misinformation – about the state Senate candidates who hope to represent Spokane’s 6th Legislative District. Incumbent Democrat Chris Marr and Republican Michael Baumgartner have had many spirited debates. More than 20 mailers have been sent by or on behalf of them.