Dawn Morrell had a narrow lead in her bid to return to Olympia after a two-year absence, early election returns show.
Morrell, a registered nurse who previously served in the House from 2003-2010, was leading Republican opponent Shelly Schlumpf, in the expensive race for the Puyallup-centric district with 52 percent of the vote.
Both candidates’ campaigns raised more than $200,000 in contributions, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission online data.
Morrell, a Democrat, has highlighted her knowledge of state government and her health care background, which she said would be an asset as the state implements Obamacare. Schlumpf, president and chief executive officer of the Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce, said her business background will help the state economy grow out of the economic doldrums.
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