Elections 2012: District 31 Incumbents Maintain Solid Leads in in First Week of Election Returns

The numbers rounding out the first week of returns brought no surprises in both 31st District legislative races.

With updated numbers from both Pierce and King counties as of 5:30 p.m. Friday, Rep. Cathy Dahlquist now leads with 14,983 votes (63.82 percent) over challenger Brian Gunn with 8,493 (36.18 percent) for Position No. 1.

Rep. Chris Hurst's (13,142 votes) lead over challenger Lisa Connors (9,855 votes) narrowed slightly to 57.15 percent over Connors' 42.85 percent over the .

Hurst said Wednesday he was pleased with the initial numbers. "I'm really happy with where we are right now," he said. "Obviously this is just the beginning of the campaign now, towards the general, but we're in a very strong position. ... I'm really gratified by the show of support we got from folks and very thankful that we did so well. ... We'll keep working hard and see where we end up in November."

Reichert's Lead Also Solid

Dave Reichert holds his solid lead of 50.8 percent in the 8th District Congressional primary in Washington, with Karen Porterfield holding the second position with 28.32 percent, making the two the likely candiates in the general election this fall.

In King and Pierce counties so far, 508,899 ballots have been counted as of Friday at 5:30 p.m.