"WA-08: Burner Concedes"

mcjoan:

The Seattle PI has called the race in WA-08 for Reichert.

Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert has won re-election in Washington's 8th Congressional District, defeating two-time Democratic challenger Darcy Burner in a close race.

With almost 80 percent of the expected vote counted from Tuesday's election, Reichert's lead was nearing 8,000 votes Friday. Roughly 270,000 votes have been tallied.

Darcy had the following statement, via e-mail:

"It is likely at this point that Congressman Reichert has won re-election, and while we will certainly ensure that every valid vote is counted, we accept the decision of the voters.

"I would like to thank the thousands of people who put so much time and effort into the campaign, as well as the countless thousands more who went beyond voting to actively participate in our democratic process this year. The election of Barack Obama as our new President will ensure that the change to the direction of our country called for in this campaign is realized in the new year."

The Seattle Times spurious attack on Darcy's character, calling her a liar because she accurately described her Harvard degree, apparently worked. So they succeeded in re-electing an already ineffective incumbent who will be even more so mired deep in the minority, with a Democratic president.

Congratulations, Emily Heffter and the Seattle Times. You just assured progress on key issues like transportation and environmental protection in the 8th District won't have an effective proponent in the House. At least we've got good Senators.