AP Calls WA-08 Race for Reichert

The AP has called the WA-08 race:

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Republican Rep. Dave Reichert survived a strong challenge from Democratic newcomer Darcy Burner, winning a second term in this historically slow-counting suburban Seattle district.

Reichert, best known as the sheriff who nabbed the Green River Killer, retained his seat after new returns were posted Monday night from King County. His lead stood at 4,727 votes, or 51.1 percent to Burner's 48.9 percent. Overall, 208,225 votes had been counted in the race.

The vast majority of voters cast ballots by mail, and they count as long as they were postmarked by Nov. 7.

Reichert was in Washington, D.C., for the new term of Congress on Monday and did not immediately return a phone message.

Burner's campaign refused to concede, saying the Democrat's chances could improve after about 20,000 absentee ballots dropped off at polling sites are counted.

It was the first political campaign for Burner, 35, a former Microsoft manager. Reichert, 56, narrowly won his first congressional term in 2004 and immediately became a target for Democrats.

I think it is odd that a news agency is "calling" an election race. Seems that should be determined when all the votes have been counted.

Expect to hear more soon.

Update: The Seattle Times now has the following blurb on their Web site: U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, has declared victory over Democratic challenger Darcy Burner in the 8th District. Details to come.