The Primary election has ended with few surprises. Don’t bet on that happening for the General election on Nov. 2.
The Primary, now a summertime event, was mostly a low-key affair. Favorites in most, if not all, contested races moved on to the November showdown. Now it gets interesting.
Though the state’s Top Two system advances the two candidates who get the most votes, regardless of party affiliation, in partisan races it will a Democrat versus a Republican in races that affect Bellevue. And given the contentious national debate, look for pitted battles here, as well.
Adding to the mix will be numerous initiatives and referendums that will be on the November ballot. In addition to candidates, you’ll have your say on an income tax, privatizing sales of hard liquor, removing the recent tax on soft drinks and candy, and once again requiring the Legislature to approve any tax increases by a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate.
Any one of these would keep the interest high. We’ll have issues by the handful.
There’s no surprise in the matchup for U.S. Senate. Both Democrat Patty Murray and Republican Dino Rossi were givens for the November ballot, despite the noise made by Tea Party supporters.
The same is true for the Eighth Congressional District. Republican Dave Reichert easily moved on and will face another new Democrat, Suzan DelBene of Medina.
Expect hard-hitting campaigns by all four of the above. Your mailbox will be full and your TV overrun by political commercials before this is over.
Closer to home, both the 41st and 48 legislative districts look to be spirited.
In the 41st, which includes the southern portion of Bellevue, first ballot counts showed Democrat Sen. Randy Gordon has a fight on his hands from Mercer Island councilman Steve Litzow, who has a narrow lead.
Democrat Marci Maxwell, an incumbent, has a narrow lead over Republican Peter Dunbar. Democrat Judy Clibborn, also a Democrat, has a stronger lead over her Republican challenger Stephen Strader.
In the 48th District, Democrat Sen. Rodney Tom was carrying a 52-48 percent lead over Republican challenger Gregg Bennett. Rep. Ross Hunter, a Democrat, had a better lead over Diane Tebelius with a 55-45 split. Rep. Deb Eddy, also a Democrat, had a 54-46 edge over her Republican challenger Philip Wilson.
What could change things is how many voters come out to cast their ballot on initiatives and referendums.
Costco is one of the major backers of I-1100, one of two initiatives to privatize liquor sales. If passed, it would mean that retailers like Costco would be able to sell spirits which are currently only available in state run liquor stores.
I-1100, and a similar proposal, I-1105, would change not just where liquor is sold but also how the state would collected liquor sales revenue, which currently brings in more than $300 million a year for public safety and education.
If passed, I-1053 would mean the legislature would need a two-thirds vote to approve any new tax. That’s been passed by voters before, but over time the Legislature has overridden the people.
Bill Gates Sr. speaheaded I-1098, which would create a state income tax on high-wage earners and would reduce the state share of the property tax and lower the B&O tax on many businesses. Income tax measures have failed in the past. This time? Who knows.
If those aren’t enough, I-1107, would repeal new taxes on certain candy, pop, and bottled water. The initiative is funded entirely by soda pop lobby group, the American Beverage Association.
There are more, from both the Legislature itself and from King County. All will likely play a part in the turnout – and outcome – of the General election.
– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter
