Washington used to be one of the most Republican states in the country, but those days are long gone as the GOP has moved from its traditional moderate roots to a much-more-conservative oriented base.
President: The networks will probably wait 10 seconds after the polls close to call this one for Obama, I’ll do them one better and call it now.
Safe Democrat
Governor: Four years ago this was the epicenter for one of the most controversial elections in the country. Democrat Christine Gregoire appeared to have lost narrowly to Republican Dino Rossi but after a series of recounts they found enough votes to put her over the top by 129 votes.
The two are in a rematch this year which looks to be just as close though Gregoire will likely benefit from incumbency and a likely Democratic trend in Washington. The two appeared together on the primary ballot last week and the preliminary results put her ahead of Rossi by about 25,000 votes.
However, if you combine the total Democratic versus GOP votes cast then it narrows to another tie. For now I will give her the edge, due to the lead in the primary and her incumbency.
Leans Democrat
House: Democrats seem likely to retain their six seats while the GOP should hold on to at least two of their three seats.
In the 8th district we have incumbent Dave Reichert (R) in a rematch with Darcy Burner (D). Like the race for Governor, this contest will be close but as with that contest I give an edge to the incumbent who led in the primary voting
Leans Republican