Marcie Maxwell

Two weeks ago in Denver, Washington state Speaker of the House Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) remained hopeful of the Democrats' long term strategy for maintaining a large House majority, but after August's "top two" primary, House Republicans are as hopeful as ever.

Kevin Carns, the Director of the House Republican Organizational Committee, told PolitickerWA.com that, after analyzing an extensive series of numbers, House Republicans should be able to reduce the Democratic majority by at least two seats in 2008.

"From a macro perspective we are in very, very good shape," Carns said. "We are in a strong position to pick up a couple seats minimum."

DENVER - The Democratic Speaker of the state House of Representatives, Seattle's Frank Chopp, is well known in political circles for his planning and dedication to building a long-term Democratic majority in Olympia. Just like with the Republicans, every other year provides a chance to gradually build up or chip away at the current lead, depending on what side you are on.

But despite all the projections and planning, did last week's "top two" primary results change the leadership's picture of which races to focus on going into November? Chopp says no.

SEATTLE -

Dino Rossi accepts the endorsement of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild: Politicker photoThe Dino Rossi for governor campaign held a press conference today at the Seattle Police Officers' Guild headquarters in SoDo to announce the Guild's endorsement of Rossi for governor. The Seattle Guild, which represents 1202 officers and sergeants in Seattle, did not endorse either candidate in 2004.

Sergeant Richard O'Neill, President of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild said the endorsement was based in large part on their belief that Rossi would not allow the early release of convicted felons from prison, and that he would do better to improve the police officers' retirement system.

"Dino's proven leadership and continued commitment to law enforcement and public safety will serve the citizens of Washington well," O'Neill said in a press release accompanying the conference.  "We look forward to his continued support of the men and women of law enforcement and working closely with him in the future."