Early Lead for Reichert in WA-08

Tthe other hot race to watch this year in Washington state, besides Dino Rossi's bid to win a rematch of his 2004 battle, is Dave Reichert's re-election bid for Congress.

Rep. Reichert was a major Democratic target in the '06 cycle, running as a first time incumbent in a district (the 8th) carried by John Kerry in '04 and increasingly carried by statewide Democratic candidates as well.  He edged out a win over former Microsofite Darcy Burner by 2%, overcoming her surprisingly strong fundraising and rabid netroots support with his experience serving the district in Congress and as King County Sheriff.

Reichert is out to an early lead in a repeat of the 2006 contest.  Burner has been running almost constantly since that time, raising money at a fierce clip and overtaking Reichert on that score.  Yet, SurveyUSA pegs him with a 51% - 45% advantage.

While it is still early, Reichert holds a lead among all age groups as well as a strong margin among independents (52% - 39%) who constitute a decisive block in his very moderate district.

Given the ugly Republican fundraising situation for many House members, Democrats are sure to make this a top tier race - Burner is already out front on the "Responsible Plan" for Iraq that earned a lot of attention on the left.

Plus, who could not want to watch a re-match of a race that ended last time with this decisive, closing ad that raised howls in liberal circles: