Oregon Public Broadcasting

It's probably still a long-shot. But Republicans in Washington think they have their best chance in years of winning control of the state senate. They'd need to pick up seven seats.

The last time Republicans controlled the Washington state senate was 2004. Today, Democrats have a healthy 31 to 18 seat majority. But Republicans feel the wind at their backs.

Voters are restless. The primary results were encouraging. And, notes Senator Mark Schoesler, Republicans are outraising Democrats in the money race.

Mark Schoesler: "I think people have had enough of one-party rule, deficits as far as the eye can see and a not very positive business climate in the state. So, I think those things have changed the attitude of donors in the state."

Karen Keiser: "You know money doesn't buy you love."

Democratic Senator Karen Keiser isn't ceding anything, but acknowledges these are tough times to be an incumbent.

Karen Keiser: "It's a difficult terrain to deal with and we're working hard and we're doing what we have to do."

Keiser and Schoesler spoke on the TVW program Inside Olympia.

Over in the House, Republicans would need to gain 11 seats to win the majority. So far candidates and PACS have spent nearly $11M on legislative races in Washington this year.