elections

The soft drink industry has pumped a monsoon of money - $10 million so far - into a Washington state initiative that would repeal new taxes on soda pop, bottled water, candy and some canned-meat products.

Election watchers caution about putting too much faith in primary results, but such a close race and strong showing for Vincent Buys could be beneficial no matter what, going into the general election, said Todd Donovan, political science professor at Western Washington University.

As of Wednesday morning, incumbent Democratic Sen. Patty Murray came in first in the top-two primary, with 46 percent. Republican Dino Rossi had 34 percent, while fellow Republicans Clint Didier and Paul Akers took 12 percent and 3 percent, respectively. Less than 50 percent for an incumbent is…

Melious, 52, is an associate professor at Western Washington University and land-use and environmental attorney. She sits on the Planning Commission, which advises the County Council on growth policies. Larson, 47, is owner of Northwest Business Monthly Magazine and has been on various boards of…

A different set of voters will be out this year, as compared to 2006 and 2008, said Todd Donovan, a political-science professor at Western Washington University.

Secretary of State Sam Reed handed the award last month to his former understudy, Kim Wyman, who has served since 2001 as Thurston County auditor.

Both officials are Republicans, and Wyman is challenged this year by Democrat Ric Abbett. But the award was one of three given by Reed to…

"The United Way of Whatcom County Board of Directors recently elected three new members.

Eileen V. Coughlin, Cheryl Crazy Bull and Peggy Nelson were elected to the board and began their terms."