Reichert, Burner to square off again in November

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, held a slight lead over former Microsoft manager Darcy Burner, a Democrat, in partial primary results Tuesday.

The results may foreshadow another close general-election contest in the 8th Congressional District, where Reichert topped Burner by 2 percentage points in 2006.

The district, which stretches east of Lake Washington, including Bellevue and Renton, and into East Pierce County, is a classic swing district, with changing demographics and a mix of urban and rural areas. In 2004, voters picked Democrat John Kerry for president but supported Republican Dino Rossi for governor.

Burner said she was encouraged by the number of votes for her and the other four candidates in the race. "There are clear signs that voters are looking for change," she said.

Reichert was not available Tuesday to comment, but a spokeswoman for his campaign said his supporters didn't draw much significance from the primary results and are focused on November's election.

Reichert has tried to capitalize throughout the campaign on his reputation as the former King County sheriff and as a moderate Republican.

Burner, on the other hand, has played up her middle-class roots and pragmatic approach to solving problems. She took the lead on a plan to end the war in Iraq that attracted the support of about 50 other Democratic congressional candidates across the country.

She has raised more money than Reichert seven quarters in a row -- a rare accomplishment for a challenger.

In Seattle's 7th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Jim McDermott was easily advancing to the November ballot along with Republican Steve Beren.

Beren got 16 percent of the vote in 2006 when he challenged McDermott. This year, Beren has more mainstream Republican support. A former socialist and Vietnam War protester, Beren became a Democrat after moving to Seattle.

He switched to the Republican Party after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks because he felt Republicans were better-versed in international affairs.

Former Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart appeared headed for a November challenge of Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes parts of King and Snohomish counties and all of Skagit, San Juan, Island and Whatcom counties.

Bart struggled to raise money after getting a late start in the race.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com