Chase widens lead over Baker as both appear headed for general-election ballot

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Democrat Maralyn Chase widened her lead over Republican David Baker Wednesday as the two appeared headed for a November general-election showdown after they continued their strong 1-2 showing in updated 32nd District State Senate primary returns.

      

Chase had 47 percent of the primary vote (10,444 votes) to 40 percent for Baker (8,982 votes) and less than 13 percent (2,789 votes) for Democrat Patty Butler.

      

Chase gave up the State House seat she has held since 2002 to run for the State Senate seat that Democrat Darlene Fairley is vacating. Baker is a member of the Kenmore City Council, which he now leads as mayor. Butler represented the District in the State House of Representatives from 1997 to 1999.

      

King County results include ballots that arrived as of Tuesday morning. Countywide turnout was announced as 27 percent Wednesday, compared to the projected 45 percent. King County votes in the 32nd District include those from Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and the Finn Hill area near Kirkland.

Snohomish County results include ballots received as of Tuesday evening. Countywide turnout as of Wednesday was 26.25 percent, compared to a projected 41 percent. Snohomish County results include ballots from Woodway, south Edmonds and unincorporated Esperance.

King County plans to update results at 4:30 pm Thursday. Snohomish County plans an update at 5  pm Thursday. 

Patty Butler (D)         2,789 votes, 12.55%

Maralyn Chase (D)  10,444 votes, 47.01%

David Baker (R)        8,982 votes, 40.43%

Total Votes               22,215 votes, 100.00%