Litzow holds early lead in state senate race | General election results

On election night, state Republicans rallied at the Bellevue Hilton while Democrats gathered at the Seattle Westin as results from a high voter turnout were tallied in an election showing many close races and upsets nationwide. Locally, Mercer Island resident Steve Litzow, running for the 41st state senate seat currently held by incumbent Randy Gordon, held an early lead over Gordon in the first round of election results.

By Reporter Staff • November 2, 2010 11:50 pm
Rep. Dave Reichert addresses supporters during a Republican election return party at the Hilton Hotel in Bellevue on Tuesday.
Rep. Dave Reichert addresses supporters during a Republican election return party at the Hilton Hotel in Bellevue on Tuesday.

On election night, state Republicans rallied at the Bellevue Hilton while Democrats gathered at the Seattle Westin as results from a high voter turnout were tallied, showing many close races and upsets nationwide.

Locally, Mercer Island resident Steve Litzow, running for the 41st state senate seat currently held by incumbent Randy Gordon, held an early lead over Gordon in the first round of election results. Litzow was ahead by 52.69 percent over Gordon’s 47.19 percent as of 8 p.m., Tuesday.

In the state representative races, Marcie Maxwell held a slight lead over Peter Dunbar with Maxwell earning 51.14 percent of the early votes, while Dunbar had 48.76 percent.

In the 41st state representative position 2 race between Judy Clibborn and Stephen Strader, Clibborn had 56.66 percent of the votes, while Strader had 43.23 percent.

In the U.S. Senate battle, challenger Dino Rossi conceded to incumbent Patty Murray on Thursday, though an approximate 591,000 ballots remain to be counted. Murray, who received 51.27 percent of the vote versus Rossi’s 48.73 percent, is ahead by over 45,000 votes.

In the U.S. Congress race between incumbent Dave Reichert and Suzan DelBene, Reichert earned 54.60 percent of the votes, while DelBene had 45.40 percent. She conceded the race on Tuesday evening.

In the initiatives facing voters, early indicators pointed to no state income tax on those making more than $200,000 individually or $400,000 for couples. The first returns had 65.59 percent of voters saying no to Initiative 1098, while 34.41 percent said yes.

In the fight to privatize liquor sales in the state, Initiative 1100 had a 51.94 percent no vote and 48.06 percent yes.

Initiative 1105 was slightly clearer with 63.25 saying no and 36.75 percent saying yes. 65.64 percent of voters said yes to Initiative 1053 for reinstating the required two-thirds majority to pass any legislated proposal to raise taxes, and 34.36 said no. The taxation of candy, soda, some bottled water and food processors will be repealed by a vote of 62.91 percent for Initiative 1107 and 37.09 against. Voters rejected Initiative 1082 with 58.13 percent against allowing employers to buy industrial insurance, and 41.87 percent saying yes.

Referendum Bill 52, for allowing and funding energy-efficient project bonds in schools, was rejected; 56.90 percent voted no, and 43.10 percent voted yes. Senate Joint Resolution 8225, regarding limitation on state debt, was approved by 51.07 percent versus 48.93 percent. Engrossed Substitute House Joint Resolution 4220 was approved by 85.46 percent versus 14.54 percent, to deny bail for criminals charged with certain offenses.

King County Proposition No. 1, concerning a sales and use tax for criminal justice, fire protection and other government purposes, was rejected by 56.45 percent versus 43.55 percent. All three King County Charter Amendments passed.

Results will continue to be updated and tabulated until the election is finalized on Nov. 23. The latest results for Washington state can be viewed at the secretary of state elections site.