Incumbents Dye, Schmick winning

COLFAX - Incumbent Republicans Mary Dye of Pomeroy and Joe Schmick of Colfax are leading in their Nov. 5 general election bids to retain their 9th Legislative District House seats.

In early returns districtwide, Dye is leading in the Position No. 1 race with 37,107 votes (66.29%) Challenger Patrick Miller had 18.747 (33.49%) at press time. In Spokane County, Dye leads with 16,065 votes (64.21%). Miller had 8,892 (35.54%).

"It was a wonderful campaign, and I am really looking forward to going back and representing our district," Dye said.

Schmick, too, led districtwide. He has 36,805 votes (65.21%). Challenger Dr. Pam Kohlmeier is behind with 19,578 votes (34.69%).

"I feel honored that the people have selected me, it looks, to represent them in Olympia. It's very humbling," Schmick said.

"I'm hopeful that things turn out different as votes are being counted," Kohlmeier said.

Miller could not be reached for comment.

Late-arriving votes will be counted for the next two weeks, until certification.