Peninsula Daily News news services
OLYMPIA — As expected, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and Republican challenger Dino Rossi were leading in early primary returns.
Murray was in the lead with about 46.7 percent of the vote.
Rossi was in the second spot with about 33.5 percent.
Another Republican, Clint Didier, had 11.6 per cent of the vote.
Washington’s unusual “top two” primary lists all candidates on the same nonpartisan ballot and sends the two highest vote-getters to the fall ballot.
Murray is considered vulnerable in her bid for a fourth six-year term.
She welcomed a primary-day visit from President Barack Obama to boost her momentum and campaign checkbook.
Rossi is a former state lawmaker who lost two close bids for governor.
