Lands commissioner race is a virtual tie

In the closest statewide primary race, incumbent Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland was in a virtual tie with challenger Peter Goldmark.

In results released early Wednesday, Sutherland, a Republican, held a slim lead over Goldmark, a Democrat.

The two will compete again in the Nov. 4 general election.

In the nonpartisan race for state Superintendent of Public Instruction, 12-year incumbent Terry Bergeson will face Randy Dorn, a former teacher and state representative, who now heads a school-employees union.

Tuesday returns showed Bergeson leading Dorn, but Bergeson did not have more than 50 percent of the votes.

In that contest and in judicial races, if a candidate wins more than 50 percent in the primary the race is over.

For partisan races, the top-two primary means the top two vote-getters move on, regardless of party affiliation.

Three candidates were vying to replace retiring State Treasurer Mike Murphy. Returns showed Republican Allan Martin, Murphy's assistant, will square off against State Rep. Jim McIntire, D-Seattle. ChangMook Sohn, a Democrat and the state's chief economist for 23 years, was running a distant third.

Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, a Democrat, will likely face Republican Marcia McCraw, a Seattle lawyer.

Secretary of State Sam Reed, a Republican, held a commanding advantage over Democrat Jason Osgood, an election-reform advocate.

State Auditor Brian Sonntag, a Democrat, was well ahead of Republican Dick McEntee, a management consultant.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, a Democrat, was leading John Adams, a Republican.

In the race for attorney general, Republican incumbent Rob McKenna enjoyed a sizable lead over Democrat John Ladenburg, the Pierce County executive.

McKenna even had a slight edge in Ladenburg's home county.

Bob Young: 206-464-2174 or byoung@seattletimes.com