Primary ballots mailed

MOSES LAKE - Even though primary ballots have been circulating through both Grant and Adams counties, results aren't likely to change any county races.

Because of Washington's primary system, only the top-two candidates in each category will move on to the general. That means that any race with one or two candidates running should advance to November's election.

And while the majority of county-level races fall into the two-and-under category, state and federal ballots will look vastly less cumbersome come November.

Judicial races have different rules for primaries. Keep an eye open for a full run-down in tomorrow's issue of The Columbia Basin Herald.

County

The only county-level race that will look different on the general ballot is Adams County Commission District No. 1.

Incumbent commission Chairman Rudy Plager, of Ritzville, takes on Donald E. Gentry of Othello and John N. Marshall, also of Ritzville.

Only two of these men, all who prefer the Republican Party, will appear on the ballot this fall.

Adams County's other open commission seat pits incumbent Roger L. Hartwig against Oscar Garza. Both men are from Othello and prefer the Republican Party, and should both advance to the general.

Grant County also has two open seats on the commission, one of which is contested.

Carolann Swartz, of Moses Lake, currently holds the seat and is running against James Liebrecht, also of Moses Lake. Both candidates prefer the Republican Party.

Incumbent Richard Stevens, of Soap Lake, is running unopposed, though a potential candidate withdrew from the race in May.

Legislative

The newly redrawn 9th, 12th and 13th legislative races may have people voting in a different district than before.

In the 12th, current State Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, is running unopposed.

The 12th's position No. 1 State Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, will square off against challenger Stan Morse, a Republican from Chelan.

State Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, goes up against Brad Hawkins, a Republican from East Wenatchee, the state representative position No. 2 race.

All three races should remain unchanged on the general ballot.

State Rep. Judith (Judy) Warnick, R-Moses Lake, runs unopposed to keep her position No. 1 13th district seat in the house.

Two men are vying for the position No. 2 seat currently held by outgoing State Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum.

Matt Manweller, a Republican from Ellensburg is running against Kaj Selmann, a Democrat from Moses Lake.

Again, all candidates are expected to appear on the general ballot.

State Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, is not up for election this year.

Adams County voters in the 9th district should have an easy decision: State Sen. Mark G. Schoesler, R-Ritzville; and state representatives for both positions Nos. 1 and 2 Susan Fagan, R-Pullman; and Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, are running unopposed.

State

All but a few state races will look vastly different in the general election.

Washington's gubernatorial race will be whittled from nine to two candidates to fill the chair held by outgoing Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Former U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Washington, and Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, a Republican, have the most name recognition of the field, but seven others are also running for the post.

Filling out Republican options are Shahram Hadian, of Mill Creek; Javier O. Lopez, of Lacey; and Max Sampson, of Black Diamond.

Only one other Democratic candidate appears on the ballot: Rob Hill, of Shoreline.

Independent Party candidates are L. Dale Sorgen, of Sulton; and James White, of Marysville. Christian Joubert, of Edmonds, also is running but doesn't state a party preference.

The candidates running for lieutenant governor will be reduced by two-thirds on the general ballot after four of the six candidates don't advance.

Democratic incumbent Brad Owen, of Shelton, faces five opponents from varied political backgrounds.

Glenn Anderson, of Issaquah, aligns with the Independent Republican Party; while James Robert Deal, of Lynnwood, states no party preference.

Bill Finkbeiner, of Bellevue, prefers the Republican Party; and Mark Greene, also of Bellevue, prefers the Democracy Independent Party. Dave T. Sumner IV, of Kalama, sides with the Neopopulist Party.

Voters can decided between three Democrats, a Republican, a non-aligned candidate and two other parties to fill outgoing Secretary of State Sam Reed's seat.

Democratic candidates Kathleen Drew, of Olympia; Jim Kastama, of Tacoma; and Greg Nickels, of Seattle, will appear alongside Republican candidate Kim Wyman of Lacey.

David J. Anderson, of Olympia, states no party preference; Karen Murray, of Quincy, prefers the Constitution Party; and Sam Wright prefers The Human Rights Party.

The only race that will likely look the same in November on the state level is Democrat Jim McIntire's uncontested reelection bid for state treasurer.

The state auditor's race has four people wanting to be the top-two vote getters.

Kirkland Republican James Watkins will battle with three Democrat to fill outgoing state Auditor Brian Sonntag's position.

Troy Kelley, of Lakewood; Mark Miloscia, of Federal Way; and Craig Pridemore, of Vancouver, are the Democrats appearing on the ballot.

With McKenna hoping for the gubernatorial seat, only two of the three people on the ballot for state attorney general's post will advance to the general election.

Republicans Reagan Dunn, of Bellevue; and Stephen Pidgeon, of Everett, are running against Democrat Bob Ferguson, of Seattle.

Current Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, a Democrat, is trying to seek reelection. Running against him is Republican Clint Didier of Pasco, and Stephen A. Sharon, Seattle, who does not state a party preference.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy I. Dorn, of Lacey, would like to keep his non-partisan position for another four years. Running against him are James Bauckman, of Bellingham; John Patterson Blair, of Vashon; Don Hansler, of Spanaway; and Ronald L. (Ron) Higgins, of Richland.

Winding down the state races is incumbent Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, a Democrat from Olympia. Republicans John R. Adams, of Seattle; and Scott Reilla, of Medina, as well as Independent Brian C. Berend, of Auburn, are also seeking the post.

Federal

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., is one of two Democrats on the primary ticket, running against five Republicans, the other Democrat and one Reform Party member to keep her seat in the House of Representatives.

Republican Michael Baumgartner, of Kirkland, currently represents Washington's 6th legislative district. Other Republican candidates include Art Coday, of Shoreline; Chuck Jackson, of Snohomish; Mike the Mover, of Mill Creek; and Glen (Stocky) R. Stockwell, of Ritzville.

Timmy (Doc) Wilson, of Seattle, is the other Democrat in the race, and Will Baker, of Tacoma, is running under the Reform Party.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard "Doc" Hastings, R-Pasco, is vying against three challengers to keep Washington's fourth Congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Hastings has held the seat since 1995.

Jamie Wheeler, a Republican from Kennewick, has put her name on the ballot, as have Democratic candidates Mary Baechler, of Yakima; and Mohammad H. Said, of Ephrata.