Washington House
Filing Deadline: June 6, 2008 • Primary Date: Aug. 19, 2008 • General Election: Nov. 4, 2008District Profile: Politically, this area has been torn by forces of roughly equal strength, cultural liberalism and economic conservatism, though the former seems predominant. Full Profile
2006 results: Jay Inslee (D) defeated Larry Ishmael (R) by 68-32%.
Incumbent
Jay Inslee (D)Elected in 1998; Seeking seventh term.
Challengers
Larry Ishmael (R), businessman
District Profile: The political tradition in most of the lumbering and fishing areas here is Democratic, while the rich agricultural areas are more Republican. Full Profile
2006 results: Rick Larsen (D) defeated Doug Roulstone (R) by 64-36%.
Incumbent
Rick Larsen (D)Elected in 2000; Seeking fifth term.
Challengers
None
District Profile: Economic growth and diversification and the coming of many new residents with no roots in the old industries have made the 3rd a politically marginal district. Full Profile
2006 results: Brian Baird (D) defeated Michael Messmore (R) by 63-37%.
Incumbent
Brian Baird (D)Elected in 1998; Seeking sixth term.
Challengers
None
District Profile: In an area once narrowly split between the parties, opinion has shifted sharply, making this the most GOP district in the state. Full Profile
2006 results: Doc Hastings (R) defeated Richard Wright (D) by 60-40%.
Incumbent
Doc Hastings (R)Elected in 1994; Seeking eighth term.
Challengers
George Fearing (D), attorney
District Profile: Its political inclinations are Republican, but not as Republican as most of the nearby Rocky Mountain states. Full Profile
2006 results: Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) defeated Peter Goldmark (D) by 56-44%.
Incumbent
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R)Elected in 2004; Seeking third term.
Challengers
None
District Profile: As cultural issues have become more important, and as Seattle latte liberals come to symbolize the Democratic party, these areas have trended a bit away from the party. Full Profile
2006 results: Norm Dicks (D) defeated Doug Cloud (R) by 71-29%.
Incumbent
Norm Dicks (D)Elected in 1976; Seeking 17th term.
Challengers
None
District Profile: A generation ago, Seattle was roughly split between the parties; today, it is heavily Democratic and liberal. Full Profile
2006 results: Jim McDermott (D) defeated Steve Beren (R) by 79-16%.
Incumbent
Jim McDermott (D)Elected in 1988; Seeking 11th term.
Challengers
Steve Beren (R), Internet marketing firm operations director
District Profile: This is the most affluent district in Washington, rivaled only by the 1st; politically it is market-oriented on economics, more liberal on the environment and other issues. Full Profile
2006 results: Dave Reichert (R) defeated Darcy Burner (D) by 51-49%.
Incumbent
Dave Reichert (R)Elected in 2004; Seeking third term.
Challengers
Darcy Burner (D), former Microsoft executive
District Profile: This district was created after the 1990 Census and politically was almost perfectly balanced in the mid-1990s. It has since become more Democratic. Full Profile
2006 results: Adam Smith (D) defeated Steven Cofchin (R) by 66-34%.
Incumbent
Adam Smith (D)Elected in 1996; Seeking seventh term.
Challengers
Steve Cofchin (R), electrical contractor
Race Rankings
Based on likelihood of seat switching party control
1.
Ill.-11
(Open-R)2.
Va.-11
(Open-R)3.
N.Y.-25
(Open-R)4.
Ariz.-01
(Open-R)5.
Texas-22
(Lampson-D)6.
N.J.-03
(Open-R)7.
N.J.-07
(Open-R)8.
N.M.-01
(Open-R)9.
Ohio-16
(Open-R)10.
Ohio-15
(Open-R)Previous Coverage
Check out National Journal's coverage of previous Washington house races.
