Murray headed toward re-election

PASCO – Local farm girl turned political newcomer Tiffany Smiley securely has all 20 of Eastern Washington’s counties in her corner.

In fact, she had the lead in 27 of the state’s 39 counties in the Tuesday, Nov. 8, general election. Yet, she was still losing to career politician Patty Murray, D-Shoreline.

Smiley, a Pasco Republican, trailed Murray after the first night of counting in the general election. Murray had 980,199 votes (56.92%); Smiley had 738,618 votes (42.89%).

Late-arriving ballots will continue to be counted over the next two weeks.

Adams and Lincoln counties provided the stron...