GOP Reichert, Democrat Burner advance in 8th Dist.

Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert and Democratic challenger Darcy Burner have both advanced to the November general election for the 8th Congressional District seat.

With more than 25 percent of the expected vote counted in Tuesday's primary, Reichert led Burner with more than 47 percent. Burner had more than 44 percent.

This year's race is a rematch of a heated and close 2006 contest, in which Burner, a former Microsoft Corp. manager, came out of nowhere and nearly defeated the former King County sheriff.

The 8th District race in the suburbs east of Seattle is by far the closest congressional race in the state.

Washington's other eight members of the U.S. House easily advanced to the general election.

Democratic Reps. Norm Dicks, Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Brian Baird, Jim McDermott and Adam Smith all advanced, as did Republican Reps. Doc Hastings and Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

The primary signaled a change of "the status quo," Burner said Tuesday night, adding, "An incumbent who gets below 50 percent (in a primary), that incumbent does not survive the November election."

But Reichert campaign spokeswoman Amanda Halligan countered, noting James Vaughn, a conservative Democrat, got 4 percent of the votes.

"Democrats are voting for Vaughn, and they're going to vote for Dave" in November, Halligan said.

The 8th District has historically been a Republican stronghold, but it has supported Democrats for president in recent elections, and Burner came within 3 percent of defeating Reichert in 2006.

That year, Burner's inexperience in public office was played up by Reichert's campaign. In return, Burner's camp tried to link Reichert to President George Bush.

This year, both campaigns are flush with cash, although Burner has been the first to spend it, buying up television air time.

Like their first go-round, the Reichert-Burner race is one of the most closely watched in the country.

Big names from both parties have visited the state to raise money and show support. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi campaigned for Burner. Reichert welcomed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and House Minority Leader John Boehner.

---

On the Net:

Rep. Dave Reichert, http://www.davereichertforcongress.com/

Darcy Burner, http://www.darcyburner.com/