Former Democratic Congressman Jay Inslee inched out a little more distance from second-place finisher Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna after additional ballots were counted across Washington State Wednesday.
By late in the day, the new count put gubernatorial hopeful McKenna at 42.7 percent of the vote, a slight dip from the previous day. Inslee, conversely, gathered an additional percentage point to put his tally at 47.3 percent in the race to become Washington's top public official.
As the lead finishers by a wide margin, the pair will advance to the November election under state law. Experts say this is why an open primary and the ability to vote across party lines can serve as a detailed early public opinion poll with the race three months away.
In the updated results for the rest of the statewide races:
Lt. Governor
Current Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, a Democrat, continued his lead with 49.5 percent of the vote. The race to face him appears set on Republican Bill Finkbeiner with 25 percent of the vote.
Secretary of State
Republican Kim Wyman held the front with 38.79 percent of the count through Wednesday. She will be facing Democrat Kathleen Drew, who pulled in 21.7 percent of the vote.
Attorney General
The race will be between Democrat Bob Ferguson, with 52.48 percent of the vote, and Republican Reagan Dunn, who held fast at 38.25 percent.
State Treasurer
Jim McIntire will run unopposed with 100 percent of the vote.
State Auditor
Republican James Watkins enjoyed a comfortable lead with 45 percent of the vote. He is expected to face Democrat Troy Kelley, who had garnered 25.1 percent.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Incumbent Randy I. Dorn, with 55 percent of the vote, will head to the general election unopposed. The Superintendent of Public Instruction along with judicial races are not affected by the "top two" guideline. Simply finishing the primary with better than 50 percent wins the seat.
Commissioner of Public Lands
Democrat Peter Goldmark expanded his lead to 52.4 percent of the ballots counted. Republican Clint Didier, with 40 percent of the ballots, will be his opponent.
Insurance Commissioner
Democrat Mike Kreidler pulled in 55 percent of the vote as of late Wednesday. He will run against Republican John R. Adams, who had earned 22 percent of the vote.
