Gubernatorial and 8th CD races get boost in CQ ratings

Congressional Quarterly has upgraded the odds in two of Washington's highest profile races, both in favor of the Democratic candidates. The article called, "Democrats Gaining Strength in Washington State," has moved the 8th District race from "leans Republican" to "no clear favorite", and the governor's race from "no clear favorite" to "leans Democrat".

For the governor's race they say that Gov. Chris Gregoire has shored up her base, and the likely candidacy of Barack Obama will help get out the vote in the heavily Democratic state. Dino Rossi, they predict, has his best chance in budgetary matters.

In the 8th District, they cite Darcy Burner's favorable position on the Iraq War as well as Rep. Dave Reichert's connection to an unpopular President Bush.

The 8th District is one of just 14 "no clear favorite" seats in the country according to CQ's ratings. Of those just three are held by incumbent Republicans seeking re-election, including Alaska's embattled Don Young, two are held by Democrats and nine are for open seats. All eight of Washington's other districts are considered safe for the incumbent.