After enjoying an election night lead, Democrat Tim Knue watched his winning margin dwindle and then vanish as Republican incumbent state Rep. Norma Smith took a 378-vote lead Friday in the race for the 10th Legislative District Position 1 seat.
Election offices in Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties, where the district lies, are continuing to count votes. Snohomish County plans to post a new tabulation today, Skagit County is scheduled to update its ballot count on Monday and Island County announced on its Web site that new numbers won’t be released until Wednesday.
Most of the voters in the district live on Whidbey Island, where Smith resides. In Island County, Smith has an 804-vote lead. In Snohomish and Skagit counties, Knue retains a lead of 91 and 335 votes, respectively.
Knue, 54, of Conway, led Smith on election night by fewer than 1,000 votes. As of Friday evening, Knue had 31,892 votes to Smith’s 32,270.
The candidates both said they are holding out for the final numbers.
“It’s still close, but it’s going to be a bumpy ride,” Knue said. “Right now, it looks like there might be a recount.”
Smith, 57, of Clinton, said she is encouraged by the turnaround in the ballot tallies.
“The trend has been consistent with history in the 10th district,” Smith said.
Knue had attempted to unseat 10th District Position 2 state Rep. Barbara Bailey when he first sought legislative office two years ago. He initially led in early returns in that election, but as the votes were counted, Bailey went on to win re-election.
Smith was appointed to her seat in the state House of Representatives in January after former state Rep. Chris Strow resigned to take another job. She lost her bid to unseat state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen in 2000 and also ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen in 2002.
In another close race, Democratic challenger Angie Homola’s win margin has dipped to a 74-vote lead over Republican incumbent Island County Commissioner William “Mac” McDowell.
Homola, 48, led Friday with 50.1 percent to McDowell’s 49.9 percent.
McDowell, 62, is seeking his fifth term as the county’s District 2 commissioner. McDowell beat Homola by 14 percentage points in the primary election.
Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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