County Councilwoman Caskey-Schreiber Defeated

Tracy Ellis Reporting
kgmi@kgmi.com

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- There are still many Whatcom County ballots to count from Tuesday’s election, but while some races are neck-and-neck, others have clear leaders.

In the race for the County Council At-Large seat, political newcomer Bill Knutzen has 52 percent of the vote, to Laurie Caskey-Schreiber’s 48 percent.

“I’d like to thank everyone that helped out with my campaign and supported me, and it’s been a great ride,” said Knutzen.

Caskey-Schreiber called Knutzen Tuesday night to congratulate him.

The County Council District 1 contest between Dan McShane and Kathy Kershner is neck-and-neck.

51 percent of voters in early returns are choosing McShane, and 49 percent have picked Kershner.

McShane says it’s wait-and-see time.

“It’s really pretty hard to tell at this point. It’s way too early,” he said Tuesday night.

Kershner is upbeat.

“With as many ballots that we have left to count, it could go either way,” she said.

“We’re very close, and it is very exciting.”

The County Auditor’s Office will count more ballots today.

Ken Mann is leading Mary Beth Teigrob in the County Council race for District 2.

Mann isn’t taking anything for granted, even though he leads with 54 percent of the vote, he said.

“I like the trend. I’m not taking anything as guaranteed at this point,” Mann said Tuesday.

In 2007, he lost to incumbent Sam Crawford for the other District 2 seat.

“I was winning in 2007 on election night, also, so it feels good to be ahead, but got to wait and see.”

Teibrob has 46 percent.

Both candidates are former KGMI talk show hosts.

County Council member Carl Weimer is holding onto his seat by a slim margin.

“I’m feeling pretty pleased with my numbers. It’s still a little too close to call. There’s a lot of ballots out there yet,” he said Tuesday.

This election could lead to some tight votes on the council, according to Weimer.

“[It] could be a real mixed County Council that’ll just continue with those darn 4-3 votes,” he said.

Right now, Weimer leads opponent Michelle Luke by a 52 to 48 percent margin.

AUDIO: KGMI Morning News Extra segment with Bill Knutzen