Election for Snohomish County sheriff too close to call

The Snohomish County sheriff's race remained too close to call Wednesday, with state Rep. John Lovick leading with 50.4 percent of the vote.

Lovick and Tom Greene, a sheriff's bureau chief, are vying to replace outgoing Sheriff Rick Bart, who has served a three-term limit.

With 95,645 votes counted, the county has 50,000 ballots yet to be tallied, said county Auditor Carolyn Diepenbrock.

Lovick, D-Mill Creek, held an 890-vote lead over Greene pending the next count, scheduled for 5 p.m. today.

Lovick, a retired State Patrol trooper, has served nine years in the state Legislature, where he is speaker pro tempore.

Greene, who has 25 years' experience with the department, outspent Lovick 2-to-1 during the campaign. He is associated with the Republican Party, with endorsements including Bart and gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi.

The office of sheriff has been nonpartisan in Snohomish County since 1999.

Diane Brooks: 425-745-7802 or dbrooks@seattletimes.com