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NOVEMBER 22, 2000

In the latest round of uncertainty in the race for Washington's US Senate seat, Democrat Maria Cantwell on Tuesday came from behind to take a tight lead over Republican Senator Slade Gorton.

With 99 percent of the votes counted, Cantwell has a lead of 1,780 over Gorton. As of Tuesday, Cantwell has captured 1,191,644 votes, or 48.72% compared to Gorton's 1,189,864, or 48.65%.

Cantwell was able to build on her strength in King County, the state's most populous county. There, she has a more than 150,000-vote lead over Gorton.

She also held on to a tight lead in Shohomish, her home county. Cantwell leads in a total of five counties in western Washington, compared to Gorton's 34.

With votes still coming in from other parts of the state, Gorton still has the potential to take the lead again. Today is the final date for all 39 counties to certify their results. He is expected to pick up votes in Spokane County in eastern Washington, where he has a 20,000-vote lead over Cantwell.

Since the vote difference between the two candidates is small, less than one-half of 1 percent, there will be an automatic recount. Secretary of State Ralph Munro is expected to call one on Monday and counting would begin next Wednesday.

Get the latest numbers:
Washington State General Election (Washington Secretary of State)

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