Democrats inch closer to control of Legislature

By Andrew Garber
Seattle Times staff reporter

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In the Eastside's District 41, Democrat Brian Weinstein built his lead over Republican incumbent Jim Horn, chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. Horn, however, said there were too many uncounted votes remaining to declare a winner.

In Clark County, Democrat Craig Pridemore held a slim lead over incumbent Don Carlson, R-Vancouver, who represents the 49th District.

"I believe we're going to be in the majority, but it's not over yet," said Senate Minority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane.

Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance said it's too early to tell. The GOP still has a chance to retain control of the Senate, he said.

Democrats made a major push this election to regain the state Senate, which Republicans won in 2002 with a one-seat majority, 25 to 24. In the House, Democrats have a more comfortable six-seat majority, 52 to 46. The Democrats' hold on the House does not appear in danger.

To win the Senate, the Democrats must gain at least one seat and not lose any they now hold.

Republicans mounted efforts to unseat several Democratic senators, including Mary Margaret Haugen of Camano Island, Marilyn Rasmussen of Eatonville, and Jim Kastama of Puyallup.

Haugen is being challenged by Republican April Lynne Axthelm. That race was in a dead heat yesterday. In the other two races, Rasmussen and Kastama were leading their GOP opponents.

All 98 House seats and 26 of 49 Senate seats were on the ballot this year. The battle for control was focused on a handful of open seats and an occasional incumbent in "swing districts" where neither party dominates.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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