Washington, on the state level, is - as Tredrick said - is very divided. The Democrats barely held the state legislature before 2004, and although they improved slightly, they are still in a very, very dangerous position. To understand why Washington State is so close in the legislature, it's important to note:
1. The wealthy Seattle suburbs (Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond) are quite Democratic on the national level, but are much more mixed on the local level - the Republicans are better at getting the moderate libertarian vote, important in that area, for state offices.
2. Oftentimes heavily one-party areas are represented by the other party in state legislature because it is considered less partisan, but eastern Washington is a wash for the Dems. We have the northern Spokane city seat, I believe, and that's it.
3. The only thing more mediocre in Washington State politics than the Democratic Party is the Republican Party. They may have some grand reform up their sleeves, but probably not.
*DING DING DING*
The Democratic Party isn't great, but obviously you guys haven't heard enough of Chris Vance. Dino Rossi was their shining beacon of hope and he didn't win. If 2008 is Rossi v. Gregoire again, then yes I would say Rossi has the advantage. But hopefully Gregoire won't run again, and the situation has a lot of similarities to the 2000 presidential race and Bush DID win again so who knows, maybe Gregoire will surprise us.
I disagree with Alcon. The Eastside suburbs has been trending Democrat and hasn't shown *any* signs of stopping. Infact, the "Libertarian" vote has been trending Democrat, which is why they're winning it. The Republicans however are penetrating Snohomish and Pierce counties, particularly the exurban sprawl cities like Graham and Marysville.
