Washington: Terry Bergeson

With the latest batch of ballot results in from King County, one of the state's major races remains too close to call.

Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn) still leads challenger Darcy Burner (D-Carnation) in the 8th Congressional District, but with thousands more ballots added to the fray he has not been able to increase his meager lead. With 63 percent reporting, Reichert leads by fewer than 2,000 votes out of more than 200,000 cast.

King County will do one more ballot drop tonight, as will Pierce County.

State Sen. Rodney Tom (D-Medina) proposed today that the state legislature should work toward a bill this session that would amend the state constitution to make the superintendent of public instruction an appointed position.

It is currently a non-partisan statewide elected job with a four year term. Current Superintendent Terry Bergeson has held the post for twelve years and is seeking re-election against Eatonville’s Randy Dorn.

The September edition of the Elway Poll shows Gov. Chris Gregoire leading her opponent Dino Rossi, but by how much depends on the description. When identified as "Republican Dino Rossi", Gregoire led by ten points, 51-41, but when respondents were told that their choice was "Dino Rossi, who prefers the GOP Party", he cut the lead to four, 48-44. With the numbers combined Gregoire leads by eight, 50-42.

Randy Dorn, who is running for superintendent of public instruction, will join Rich Semler, the erstwhile candidate, for a press conference in Semler's native Tri-Cities today. The press release, seen here at the TNT, says the two will "announce two major developments" about the race.