Hill takes early lead over Isenhower for 45th District state senator; DelBene leads Celis in Congressional District 1 race

Published 8:59 pm Tuesday, November 4, 2014

In one of the most heated races around, early general-election results have incumbent Andy Hill (R) leading Matt Isenhower (D), 53 percent to 47 percent, for state senator in the 45th Legislative District. Both men are Redmond residents.

“These are strong numbers and I’m very pleased with the support I have received. There are a lot of ballots yet to count, but I think these results show that voters support my record of results and want to continue moving forward with the bipartisan progress we’ve made on schools and the budget,” Hill (pictured) said.

Added Isenhower: “With thousands of votes still to be counted, we may not know the final outcome for a few days. Whatever the result, I’m proud of the strong campaign we ran focused on the priorities of voters — improving our schools and fixing our transportation issues. Our Legislature has a daunting agenda before it in 2015 and both sides of the aisle must come together to take care of the people’s priorities.”

The Reporter received copious pro-and-con letters to the editor about both candidates in this race, which featured much discussion about questionable campaign contributions.

Over in the Congressional District 1, U.S. representative race, incumbent Suzan DelBene (D) leads Pedro Celis (R), 55 percent to 45 percent.

Both former Microsoft Corp. employees squared off in a debate last month in the Microsoft Conference Center and discussed issues ranging from the minimum wage to the U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak.

In her speech to constituents at the Redhook Brewery in Woodinville on election night, DelBene said: “Tonight, voters from across the district — Democrats, Independents and Republicans — came together to support this campaign. Voters had a clear choice and witnessed a vigorous debate. My opponent and I represent two very different approaches to tackling our nation’s problems. Now, the voters have spoken. They’ve spoken up for a focus on civility rather than on partisanship. They’ve spoken up for cooperation, not divisive ideology. They’ve spoken up to say they appreciate our commitment to getting results — and I thank them.”

DelBene added that the 1st District is geographically and economically diverse. She feels that everyone would be better off if more members of Congress represented districts as diverse as her district, which encompasses the majority of Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties, as well as nearly one-third of King County.

“It’s valuable when a lawmaker represents different constituencies and communities. It means they have to consider all sides of an issue and realize that getting something done involves listening and compromise,” she said. “That will continue to be my approach as your representative in Congress.

Here’s a rundown of other early results that affect the Redmond area:

45th District

For Position 1, incumbent Roger Goodman (D) leads Joel Hussey (R), 55 percent to 45 percent.

For Position 2, incumbent Larry Springer (D) leads Brendan Woodward (R), 57 percent to 43 percent.

“I am gratified and humbled by the support voters in the 45th District have shown by returning me to Olympia for a sixth term. They expect us to make progress on K-12 and higher education funding and passing a transportation package, and I am eager to work with Representative Goodman and Senator Hill to get that done,” Springer said.

48th District

For state senator, Cyrus Habib (D) leads Michelle Darnell (R), 64 percent to 36 percent.

“Friends and supporters. I am humbled and incredibly excited to have won the Senate seat in the 48th District with nearly 64 percent of the vote. This has been an awesome adventure and I am ready to return to the Legislature where the real work of the state resumes. Thank you so much for your support and friendship,” Habib wrote on his Facebook page.

For Position 1, incumbent Ross Hunter (D) leads Bill Hirt (R), 69 percent to 31 percent.

“Thanks to the voters of the 48th District for returning me to the Legislature. We have lots of important work to do this year,” Hunter wrote on his Facebook page.

For Position 2, Joan McBride (D) leads Tim Turner (L), 69 percent to 31 percent.

“I’m delighted with the outcome of the election and look forward to working for the people of the 48th District next year in Olympia,” McBride said.

Northeast Electoral District Court

For judge Position 3, Lisa O’Toole leads Marcus Naylor, 65 percent to 35 percent.

“The election results so far are very gratifying. I am honored and humbled by the support of so many voters in our community. I am also incredibly thankful for the support of family, friends and volunteers who worked so hard on my campaign,” O’Toole said.

Initiatives

Initiative 594, which concerns background checks for firearm sales and transfers, has 60 percent “yes” votes and 40 percent “no” votes.

Initiative 591, which would prevent the state from expanding background checks beyond the national standard, has 55 percent “no” votes and 45 “yes” votes.

“The people of Washington have delivered an historic and enormous victory for common-sense gun laws that will reverberate across our country,” said Zach Silk, campaign manager for the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “By voting ‘yes’ on 594 and ‘no’ on 591, Washington has demonstrated that when a coalition of everyday citizens has the resources, support and energy necessary to take on the gun lobby, they can win. Washington will serve as an example for Americans in states across our country that they can stand up for common-sense values of gun responsibility and win.”

Initiative 1351, a class-size-reduction measure, has 49 percent “no” votes and 50 percent “yes” votes.

Election results are certified by each county on Nov. 25. The Secretary of State certifies final results by Dec. 4.