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Angel Takes Early Lead in Senate Race

Republican Jan Angel jumped to an early lead in the race for the Senate's 26th District.

Angel held a 51-49 percent lead over Democrat Nathan Schlicher Tuesday night in preliminary returns from Kitsap and Pierce counties. Because Washington state votes by mail, counting will continue throughout the week as ballots continue to arrive.

A predominantly Republican Majority Coalition Caucus currently controls the Senate with the help of two Democrats, giving the majority caucus a one-vote advantage in the chamber, and Republicans hope to gain another seat to give their caucus more cushion heading into the 2014 election, when about half of the Senate will be up for re-election.

The race has been the most expensive legislative contest in state history, with combined spending of $2.9 million.