Though incumbent Senator Patty Murray hadn’t cinched the election yet, she, her supporters, and Democratic politicians from around the state gathered at the Seattle Westin on election night to watch the returns. Murray held on to a narrow lead throughout the night, which slipped away the next morning. Polls currently show Murray and her opponent, Republican Dino Rossi, are tied. Many expect a recount will take place. King County Executive Dow Constantine, fellow Senator Maria Cantwell, Governor Christine Gregoire all made appearances at the Westin. Across Lake Washington, in the Bellevue Hilton, Rossi’s own campaign held their own rally, where spirits remained high in spite of Murray’s initial lead. In other election news, Washington voters rejected all proposed taxes and two initiatives that would privatize the sale of liquor. Dave Reichert was also elected to his third congressional term.Photos by Curtis Cartier.Published on November 3, 2010
An attendee keeps up on the election results with her phone.
Attendees cheered when Murray took the stage to Marvin Gaye’s Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
King County Executive Dow Constantine.
King County Executive Dow Constantine.
Senator Cantwell and Governor Gregoire.
A young supporter.
The cameras were snapping when a dapper Jay Inslee appeared.
Murray took the stage, thanked her supporters and remained confident that she would be the eventual winner.
Murray began hugging supporters.
