Meline widens lead for second place in 8th District primary
NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON – Incumbent U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier continued to hold a commanding lead Thursday afternoon in Washington's 8th Congressional District primary, while Republican Spencer Meline expanded his lead over fellow Republican Trinh Ha in the race for the second spot on the November ballot.
According to results updated at 4:38 p.m. Thursday, Schrier received 52.93% of the districtwide vote, totaling 85,029 votes.
Meline remained in second place with 15.67%, or 25,181 votes, extending his lead over Ha to 619 votes. Ha received 15.29% of the vote with 24,562 votes.
Republican Bob Hagglund received 11.14% of the vote with 17,903 votes. Republican Andres Valleza received 2.45% with 3,935 votes, while Democrat Keith Arnold received 2.35% with 3,769 votes.
Under Washington's top-two primary system, the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party affiliation.
Although additional ballots remain to be counted, Meline strengthene…