Today's Primaries

Massachusetts Senate
Believe it or not, Republicans are trying to contest Senator Ted Kennedy's (D) seat. They hold a primary today to determine which of the candidates will earn the honor of being one of the biggest losers this November. The competitors are Kan Chase (who was endorsed by the party) and Kevin Scott. But really, do you even need to know their names?

Massachusetts Governor
With popular Governor Mitt Romney (R) retiring to pursue the Presidency, the Democrats have an excellent chance to retake one of the most out-of-place Republican-held seats in the country. A three way battle has emerged between the Dems, with Chris Gabrieli, Deval Patrick, and Attorney General Tom Reilly running. Reilly should be the favorite, due to his proven ability to win statewide office and likely name recognition. The winner will face Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey (R), who probably will only be able to win if she can get the public to associate her with Romney's fairly succesful administration.

Massachusetts CD 9
Congressman Stephen Lynch (D) faces a primary challenge from Phil Dunkelbarger, who barely registers on the fundraising lists. The result should be a very, very easy win for Lynch, followed by a trouncing of Jack Robinson, III (R), one of the few Republicans running for a Congressional seat in Massachussetts.

Washington Senate
There are numerous challengers on both sides of these primaries, but everyone already knows that the real candidates will be Senator Maria Cantwell (D) and Mike McGavick (R). Before they make that official, they have to take out the following competitors: Dems - Michael Nelson, Mohammad Said, Mike "The Mover," Hong Thi Tran; Reps - William Chovil, Warren Hanson, Brad Klippert, B. Barry Massoudi, and Gordon Pross.

Washington CD 2
Doug Roulstone (R) is the likely winner against underfunded Teri Moats. The winner will face Congressman Rick Larsen (D) in November.

Washington CD 3
Michael Messmore (R) and Daniel Miller (R) face off in a race where neither has a significant advantage. Messmore has slightly more money, so I'll pick him as the likely winner. The winner will face Congressman Brian Baird (D) in November.

Washington CD 4
Congressman Doc Hastings (R) faces a primary challenge from Claude Oliver (R) which shouldn't be a problem. On the Democratic side, likely winner Richard Wright will face off against Lewis Picton.

Washington CD 7
Congressman Jim McDermott (D) faces weak primary challenges from erstwhile Republican Donovan Rivers (who filed originally as a Republican and then became a Dem on 7/24), and Joshua Smith. After McDermott wins, he'll face Republican Steve Beren in November.