There were a few bright spots, but also plenty for legislative Republicans to be concerned about in yesterday’s primary election. The Seattle Times noted, “At least 11 Republican House incumbents trailed their Democratic challengers. At least another three Republican House candidates in open seats that the GOP is defending were also trailing Democrats.” Later ballots have favored Republicans in recent years, so some races may tighten, but it’s clear the party faces a tough challenge this year. Enthusiasm is higher among Democratic voters. One bright spot for the GOP: Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) led his challenger by over 8.5 points in initial returns. (Seattle Times)

One surprising result that likely won’t change the partisan balance: Incumbent state Rep. David Taylor (R-Moxee) finished third in his 15th District primary. Republican challenger Jeremie Dufault led with 47.9 percent, with Democrat A.J. Cooper garnering 26.7 percent. Taylor trailed with 20.4 percent for the seat he has held for nearly a decade. “The beauty of my life is that I know that God has great plans and I’m looking forward to the next chapter that I have before me through the doors that he opens,” Taylor said. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

The initiative to pass an energy tax is sure to be one of the most expensive in this year’s election cycle, having already amassed over $4.5 million in contributions, both for and against. The energy tax would implement a $15 “fee” per metric ton of carbon, adding about 14 cents to the price of gas, which already sits near the top in the nation. The tax would increase from there in later years. (Seattle Times)

Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s bill to temporarily expand the Pike Place Market Historic District to include The Showbox appears to be gaining support in the council. The move is a response to a Vancouver company’s plan to build a 442-unit apartment building at the site where the live music venue currently sits. (Seattle Times)

King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles was initially attracted to the idea of funding Safeco Field improvements because she was “excited about all the funding” opportunities. That was short lived. Despite initially sponsoring the legislation to fund capital projects at Safeco, Kohl-Welles has since become a no vote. (My Northwest)

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and interim chief of the U.S. Forest Service Vicki Christiansen hope Colville Forest will offer a “how to” in forest management for the nation. The pair praised forest thinning work by a private firm, which was awarded a unique contract to thin 54,000 acres of dense forestland. (The Spokesman-Review)

Former Deputy White House Communications Director for President Jed Bartlet, Rob Lowe, will help tell the story of Walla Walla County. The new “On Demand” series will cover Walla Walla in a three to five minute piece narrated by Lowe. County Commissioner Jim Johnson said the county will work with a production company to form their vision. “I think I want to talk about what a well-rounded community this is,” Johnson said. (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin)

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