Some mixed signs in Whatcom

The Whatcom County Democrats have seen some good signs this fall, but are not quite ready to declare full on victory.

County party chair Natalie McClendon says that canvassing results from a number of swing districts in the county, where independents are expected to split down the middle, have come back indicating more than two-thirds support for presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

But those same numbers haven't been as strong for Gov. Chris Gregoire. McClendon says there are far more undecided voters in the gubernatorial rematch between Gregoire and Republican Dino Rossi.

"This is a game changing election. So it is really hard to say what the turnout is going to be combined with what looks to me like a shift in the independents," McClendon said. "If they are truly in the middle swing voters then I don't see a problem with them being undecided at this point. They could go either way. We're not talking about people who generally vote Democratic."

Meanwhile in the 42nd Legislative District, which stretches from Bellingham north the Canadian border, Rep. Kelli Linville (D-Bellingham) appears confident, but the other seat belonging to Rep. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale), who has won his last few elections by more than ten points, remains elusive for Democrats.

So the close race for the governor's mansion continues, and swing districts along the northern front, where Gregoire won by just over 2000 votes county-wide four years ago, remain winnable for both sides.