I’ve just returned from the Democratic Party ballroom at the Vancouver Hilton, a festive and at times weepy scene. The crowd roared when Obama was declared the winner, and watched his speech with rapt attention. People I didn’t know were hugging me.
One kind of strange thing was that the Republicans were in a nearby ballroom, and I noticed several police officers standing in the corridor in between. Fortunately I saw no signs of Republican depravity that would necessitate police involvement.
A couple of 17th LD Legislative races in Clark County bear mentioning. In the race to succeed disgraced Republican Jim Dunn, R-Vancouver, who was stripped of his committee assignments by Republican leadership after making a denigrating remark to a staffer, Democrat Tim Probst is cruising to an easy victory with nearly 57% of the vote. So add one for Frank Chopp’s uber-majority.
In a nail-biter, Democratic challenger David Carrier is ahead of incumbent Republican state senator Don Benton by a scant 50.11% to 49.78%. That’s a tough lead to hold on to if the daily totals break for Republicans, as they tend to do, but Carrier is still in contention and is to be commended as a newcomer for his fine effort. It’s not over and I sure hope Carrier hangs on somehow.
Why is the election night coverage of the governor’s race by the major newspapers so bad? You have to go to the Secretary of State’s web site to get decent numbers. Last I checked a few minutes ago only two counties hadn’t been posted: Pierce and Thurston.
Thurston’s website already lists unofficial numbers, and Gregoire did pretty well. Pierce is the big unknown, but in 2004 Rossi had less than a 15,000 advantage. That wouldn’t be enough to make up the difference.
So Gregoire may very well have won unless Pierce, for some reason, goes much more strongly for Rossi than last time.
There: I wrote that as a volunteer after about 20 minutes of research. Where are the paid professionals?
Um yes. Just at secstate website, looks good for Gregoire. Will follow as sleepiness allows. Sorry, getting tired. Too much excitement!
Where are the paid professionals?
seattle times laid them off. didn’t you buy a pi today and read that story?
I’ve met David Carrier. He’s a quality person. And a credit to the Democratic party. I will be so pleased if he wins his race.