Cook Political Report: Reichert-Burner now 'toss up'

The Cook Political Report has released its latest installment of U.S House election rankings, where is lists the nation's most competitive congressional races, to account for the recent conclusion of the Democratic presidential primary. Notably, Washington's 8th District race between Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn) and Darcy Burner (D-Carnation) has moved up from "Lean Republican to Toss Up."

According to the Report, there are twenty-seven toss-ups in the country, twenty-one of which are seats held by Republicans. The Burner campaign released a statement on the change in the rankings.

"The upgrade from Cook Political Report is just the latest indication that our campaign has strong momentum behind it, and that Congressman Reichert is in serious trouble this November," said Burner spokesman Sandeep Kaushik. "Voters are tired of the same old, same old status quo politics that Congressman Reichert represents. Remember on the two biggest issues in the public mind -- the economy and the war --Congressman Reichert has a lengthy record of supporting the key elements of the Bush agenda. It is clear that voters are looking for a real change this November. That is what Darcy Burner is determined to provide, and the Cook Political Report and other experts on congressional races understand that."

Reichert's campaign has not yet responded to an e-mailsasking for comment