From The Olympian:

Republicans said their hopes for a major political comeback in the state Senate and House were boosted Tuesday as several incumbent Democrats in the two chambers failed to capture half the vote or were trailing their GOP challenger.

“I think we’re within striking distance, no question about it,” said Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt of Walla Walla, who is now in a 31-18 minority. He cited Republicans leading incumbent Democrats, including Sens. Chris Marr in Spokane, Claudia Kauffman in Kent and Eric Oemig in Kirkland.

Elsewhere around the region, Republicans were eyeing gains in the House. Kevin Carns, leader of the House Republican Organizational Committee, said he thinks his party could gain six to 13 seats, reducing if not erasing the Democrats’ 61-37 advantage.

But Democrats were not conceding much – even though powerful House Ways and Means chairwoman Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, was losing to Republican Vincent Buys in Whatcom County’s 42nd district and other Democrats, such as Rep. John Driscoll of Spokane, were well below 50 percent of the vote.

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