Paris, Bernd keep leads in PUD races

EPHRATA — Top vote getters in the Grant County PUD races kept their leads after more ballots were counted Wednesday from the primary election.

If they maintain their leads, they advance to the general election on Nov. 2.

EPHRATA - Top vote getters in the Grant County PUD races kept their leads after more ballots were counted Wednesday from the primary election.

If they maintain their leads, they advance to the general election on Nov. 2.

Columbia Colstor Chief Financial Officer Patti Paris received 2,160 votes for the district 2 position on the PUD commission, according to preliminary results from the Grant County Elections Department.

Her opponent, seed company owner Dale Walker, garnered 1,733 votes.

For the district B at large PUD position, incumbent Commissioner Bob Bernd stayed the top contender with 3,105 votes.

Bernd's challenger, retired engineer Ron Baker, received 2,847 votes.

In the Grant County coroner race, Moses Lake funeral home manager Craig Morrison stayed ahead of appointed Coroner David Matney with 6,482 votes. Matney received 5,117 votes.

Grant County Prosecutor D. Angus Lee kept his lead with 7,144 votes against contender Albert Lin. Lin who received 5,459 votes.

Grant County Sgt. Tom Jones stayed ahead of Sheriff Frank DeTrolio with a total of 7,560 votes. DeTrolio garnered 5,830 votes.

There were about 1,000 outstanding ballots in Grant County on Wednesday, according to the elections department.

The primary election is certified Sept. 1.

The race for the Grant County District Court judge position 1 is decided in the Nov. 2 general election. Judge Richard Fitterer defends his seat against challenger Patrick Earl.

In judicial races, Supreme Court position 6 leader Jim Johnson stayed ahead with 514,162 votes, against opponent Stan Rumbaugh, who received 307,430 votes, according to preliminary statewide results.

Supreme Court position 7 leader Richard B. Sanders maintained his lead with 379,901 votes against opponent Charlie Wiggins. There were 316,849 votes cast for Wiggins.

In the race for her U.S. Senate seat, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray was leading with 491,775 votes.

Her challenger, former Republican state Sen. Dino Rossi, received 357,419 votes.

To see updated results in state races, visit vote.wa.gov.