SEATTLE – Doug Sutherland, the incumbent state lands commissioner, held a slim lead Tuesday over Democratic state Rep. Mike Cooper, the favorite of environmental groups who was trying to unseat him.
Sutherland received 493,587 votes, or 51 percent, while Cooper received 453,112 votes, or 46 percent, with 12 percent of precincts reporting from around the state. Libertarian Steve Layman had 28,410 votes, or 3 percent.
Sutherland, a moderate Republican who won over a number of conservationists, touted a new plan that calls for harvesting more timber from state forests.
Cooper, who also had the backing of Democratic Party loyalists and labor unions, said Sutherland’s plan to increase the timber harvest was a strong reason for ousting him.
In four other races for statewide offices, Republican Secretary of State Sam Reed took an early lead Tuesday in his race to retain his office over a challenge from Democrat Laura Ruderman.
With 20 percent of precincts reporting in early returns Tuesday, Reed had 52 percent to 46 percent for Ruderman. Libertarian candidate Jacqueline Passey received 3 percent.
Lieutenant governor
Incumbent Democrat Brad Owen had 54 percent, easily defeating Republican James Wiest, who had 40 percent in the race. Libertarian Jocelyn Langlois had 4 percent, and Bern Patrick Haggerty of the Green Party had 2 percent in early returns.
State treasurer
Democrat Mike Murphy culled 59 percent, Republican Oscar Lewis had 37 percent and Libertarian John Sample received 3 percent of the vote.
State auditor
Democrat Brian Sonntag retained the office with 63 percent in early returns, fending off Republican Will Baker, a notorious Tacoma gadfly who had 34 percent. Jason Bush, a Libertarian, had 3 percent.
Insurance Commissioner
Democrat Mike Kreidler defeated Republican challenger John Adams, receiving 54 percent of the vote in early returns to Adams’ 42 percent. Libertarian Stephen Steele had 4 percent.
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