State Sen. Margarita Prentice received almost 50 percent of the vote in the Aug. 19 primary in the battle with two other Democrats over her 11th District Senate seat.

Tina Orwell outpooled her Repubican opponent in the race to replace veteran state Rep. Shay Schual-Berke in the 33rd District.

Prentice, chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee was challenged by two fellow Democrats in the primary.

As of Aug. 22, she received 5,491 votes (49.00 percent) and will face Juan Martinez in the Nov. 3 election. He garnered 3,006 votes (26.82 percent.)

Martinez is a former aide to Congressman Jim McDermott and former co-director of the Washington Tax Fairness Coalition.

Attorney Scott McKay, a South Park resident, was eliminated from the race with 2,622 votes (23.40 percent.)

Martinez said McKay has endorsed him and pledged to help him in the fall election.

He noted that Prentice was the only Democratic legislator seeking re-election in King County that did not receive more than 50 percent of the primary vote.

"For the first time in many elections, voters in the 11th District have a real choice for state senator," Martinez wrote in a statement. "Rather than helping working families, my opponent tried to raise our taxes by $300 million in order to build yet another sports stadium.

"This is just one of many issues that sets us apart."

Tina Orwall, a social worker and past chairwoman of the 33rd District Democrats, seemed poised to replace Schual-Berke after receiving 7,912 votes (61.41 percent.)

In a press release, Orwall noted, "I am so grateful to the voters of the 33rd district for their support. With the help of volunteers and supporters, our campaign was able to speak with residents throughout the district. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our residents and it has renewed my commitment to fight for the families, seniors, veterans and youth I have spoken with in the Legislature."

Concerning the upcoming general election campaign, Orwall added, "We have great momentum on the campaign and won't slow it down until we win in November."

She will be opposed by advertising agency owner Todd Gibson who received 4,961 votes (38.51 percent.) Gibson listed the G.O.P Party as his preference on the primary ballot.

Gibson also is an adjunct instructor at Highline Community College in Des Moines.

Shual-Berke is leaving elected office after serving ten years in the Legislature. Before that, she was an elected member of the Highline School Board.

Incumbent 33rd District Rep. Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat, garnered 8,901 votes (69.37 percent) and will face Tan Lam, prefers G.O.P Party, again in the general election. Lam received 3,913 votes (30.49 percent.)

In the 11th District, Democratic Rep. Zack Hudgins got 8,077 votes (69.80 percent) while David M. Morris, prefers Cut Taxes G. O. P. Party, received 3,469 votes (29.98 percent.)

Also in the 11th District, Rep. Bob Hasegawa, a Democrat, received 8,427 votes (71.35 percent) and Republican John Potter received 3,365 votes (28.49 percent.)

Without opponents, the Democratic incumbents in the 34th District wracked up nearly perfect numbers. Sen. Joe McDermott received 14,843 votes (97.77 percent,) Rep Eileen Cody, 14,105 votes (98.31 percent) and newly appointed Rep. Sharon Nelson, 13,990 (98.35 percent.)

Burien resident Matt Hale was defeated in his bid to unseat King County Superior Court Judge Laura Gene Middaugh.

Hale received 47,359 votes (24.28 percent) while Middaugh garnered 147,186 votes (75.46 percent.)

In nonpartisan races, candidates who receive more than 50 percent of the vote, advance to the general election ballot unopposed.

Hale is a Seattle attorney and 1998 graduate of Highline High School. Middaugh is the wife of state Sen. Adam Kline and has been active in the Burien-based musical group, ChoralSounds Northwest.