News

POSTED: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008

Larsen leads in congressional primary

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, held a healthy lead over primary opponents in initial unofficial results Tuesday, Aug. 19.

"I feel really good about it," Larsen said. "I think it's some vindication for the work I've done supporting veterans, supporting our environment ... and supporting jobs."

Larsen led with 56 percent of the vote for the District 2 position in early results districtwide. In Whatcom County he led with 58 percent of the vote.

Following behind Larsen was Republican challenger Rick Bart, who took up the Grand Old Party mantle when former Republican candidate Doug Roulstone dropped out to tend to his business. Bart had 36 percent of the vote.

Bart could not be reached for comment after the results were released.

Following those two were Doug Schaffer of Snohomish and Glen Johnson of Mount Vernon. Both had run as "Prefers Democratic Party" in the election, though Johnson previously sought the office as a member of the Natural Law Party.

The top two finishers move on to the November general election.