A new “blue tide” to rival the 2006 election appears to be sweeping Whidbey Island.

Democrats were well on their way to taking complete control of the three-member board of Island County commissioners — a historical first — with Helen Price Johnson beating incumbent Republican Phil Bakke for the District 1 seat, while political newcomer Angie Homola was turning out 16-year incumbent Republican Mac McDowell in District 2.

In the state Senate, 10th District Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, a Camano Island Democrat, was turning away a challenge from Oak Harbor Republican Linda Haddon. Haugen had 54 percent of the vote early Tuesday night, while Haddon had pulled in 45 percent of the vote.

Democrat Tim Knue had a slim lead in the Position 1, 10th District House of Representatives race over incumbent Republican Norma Smith. Knue was in front in early vote returns, leading with 50.7 percent of the vote to Smith’s 49.2 percent.

The bright spot for Republicans on Tuesday night was the race for House Position 2 in 10th District.

Incumbent Republican Barbara Bailey was leading Camano Island Democrat Patricia Terry, 53 percent to 46 percent.

Incumbent Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire was also leading in Island County, with 15,908 votes to Republican challenger Dino Rossi’s 14,705.

And in the presidential race, Barack Obama was leading John McCain in total votes in Island County. Obama had 16,658 votes to McCain’s 13,843.

In the 2006 election, Democrats picked up a seat on the board of county commissioners and tallied enough wins to control half of the elected positions in county government.