In a possible upset, Tim Knue is leading appointed state Rep. Norma Smith in the District 10 race 23,398 to 24,327— leaving the race too close to call.

In Island County, the margin was even slimmer with a separation of 186 votes, according to results from the Island County Auditor’s Web site.

“This is a tight race,” Smith said, Wednesday. “I’d like to be a little up than a little down right now.”

Smith added that based on historical precedent, come-from-behind wins are common in the 10th district. Two years ago, Knue, a retired agriculture teacher, squared off against Barbara Bailey (R-Oak Harbor) for a Tenth District Position in the House of Representatives. Initially falling behind, Bailey won the seat by 1,800 votes.

“In both 2004 and the 2006 race with Chris Strow, they were down in the first count. I’m hopeful,” Smith said.

Both candidates said they expected a heated race, and Knue’s campaign is encouraged by the early numbers.

“There was a lot of energy from the national and state races. Everyone wanted to be involved, making this a much different race than two years ago,” Knue said. “This is a great year to be involved.”