Washington

Republicans consider Sen. Patty Murray's seat one they must win if they are to regain control of the Senate in this election. The Democratic incumbent, seeking her fourth term, got less than 50 percent of the vote in Washington's non-partisan primary, an indication of how close her general election contest against Republican Dino Rossi might be. Obama campaigned with Murray on primary day, Aug. 17.The race to fill the open House seat in 3rd District is rated a tossup. Democrat Denny Heck and Republican Jaime Herrera are battling to succeed Democrat Brian Baird, who is retiring after six terms in Congress.There is no governor's race in Washington this year. Obama won Washington in 2008.