Goldmark slightly ahead
Democrat Peter Goldmark is gaining a slight edge over incumbent Republican state Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, gaining 50.53 percent of the statewide vote compared to Sutherland's 49.47 percent, with leads in King, Snohomish, Jefferson, Cowlitz, Okanogan, Spokane and Whatcom counties.
Democrat Peter Goldmark is gaining a slight edge over incumbent Republican state Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, gaining 50.53 percent of the statewide vote compared to Sutherland's 49.47 percent, with leads in King, Snohomish, Jefferson, Cowlitz, Okanogan, Spokane and Whatcom counties.
The commissioner determines the management of 5.6 million acres of state timber and aquatic lands, shorelines and agricultural fields for a trust that funds public schools and universities throughout Washington. Sutherland's campaign donations came primarily from timber and mining companies, while Goldmark's campaign rested mostly on environmental and urban voters, despite his Eastern Washington heritage.
A public official since 1980, Sutherland has served two terms each as state lands commissioner, Pierce County executive and mayor of Tacoma.
Earlier Wednesday, Goldmark was up 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent due to strong returns in King County, which reversed Sutherland's late Tuesday lead.
