Washington 5th District Candidates Prepare for First Results

There's got to be a sense of relief for candidates as almost all that's left now is the waiting, reflected by candidates in Washington's 5th District, which has been at the center of a heated and at times controversial district.

who's been in a contest for State Representative Pos. 2 against has been preparing a suite at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, where the state GOP is holding its election night party this evening.

Magendanz said that though at this level, not much voter polling is done, he is "cautiously optimistic," as he heads into the evening. "I was very happy with the primary and we're all feeling positive," after coming out 11 points ahead in the primary.

Magendanz said he's been really impressed with the organizations behind all the candidates, from the parties, to the precinct committee officers, and to volunteers on the ground.

"I feel a resurgence. It's like the Jerry McGuire moment, where people realize if they want things to change, they have to get involved," and it gives him hope, he said.

Meanwhile, Spring, who will be watching the results at home with family and friends, said he's left wishing that some of the controversy that has surrounded the 5th District had happened somewhere else.

"I’ve been getting a lot of mail about the senate race, and I just think it's disgusting," Spring said, saying he thinks a lot of other 5th District voters feel the same. Spring said he doesn't know how his own race will turn out, but no matter what the outcome, he will keep campaigning to end corruption in the state Legislature.

For their parts, the 5th District Senate candidates Mark Mullet and Brad Toft have taken different approaches as well.

Mullet said he's had a pretty low-key day, spending time at a play area with his daughter, and attending the meeting of the local Rotary Club he belongs to before he and his wife head to Zeeks Pizza in Issaquah for his election night party.

"There's nothing you can do but wait" on election day, Mullet said, with vote-in mailing the standard here. As to the results, he said, "I think it will be similar to the primary," which he won by a margin of 52 percent to 47 percent.

Toft meanwhile, has spent much of the day phone banking with election volunteers, including his wife, Jill, who is celebrating her birthday today by helping get out the vote.

"She told me I didn't have to get her anything but a win," Toft said. Still, he said, it's been a relaxed day and he's taken some time out with his family as well.

"I’m really proud of what we've accomplished. We set some goals after the primary, and earlier this week I felt like, 'Hey, we've made a good case,'" Toft said.

Patch will be checking back in with the 5th District candidates after the first results come in later this evening, which you will be able to view here.