In an election today for the open seat in in Washington state's 6th Congressional district, Democrat Derek Kilmer defeats Republican Bill Driscoll 52% to 37%, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted for KING-TV in Seattle. Kilmer leads among men and women, young and old, rich and poor, and among the educated and less educated. Independents split. Moderates break by more than 2:1 for the Democrat.

Voters have a favorable opinion of both candidates.
* Driscoll has a Plus 13 Net Favorability Rating: 28% of voters see him favorably, compared to 15% who see him unfavorably.
* Kilmer has a Plus 22 Net Favorability Rating: 38% of voters see him favorably, compared to 16% who see him unfavorably.
* 76% of Driscoll voters and 75% of Kilmer voters say they cast their vote "enthusiastically."

* By 42% to 32%, voters say Kilmer better reflects their position on economic issues.
* By 45% to 28%, voters say Kilmer better reflects their position on social issues.
* By 36% to 31%, voters say Kilmer would better represent the interests of military families.
* By 44% to 23%, voter say Kilmer would be stronger on the environment.

* In the election for President, Barack Obama carries the district 54% to 38%, in an election today.
* In the election for Governor of Washington State, Democrat Jay Inslee carries the district 50% to 44%.

Cell-phone and home-phone respondents included in this research: SurveyUSA interviewed 800 registered voters 09/21/12 through 09/23/12, using Registration Based Sample (voter list sample) from Aristotle in Washington DC. Of the registered voters, 628 were determined by SurveyUSA to be likely to vote on or before Election Day, 11/06/12. This research was conducted 100% by telephone. Respondents reachable on a home telephone were interviewed on their home telephone in the recorded voice of a professional announcer. Respondents not reachable on a home telephone were called on their cell phones, by a live operator, who hand-dialed the telephone, secured respondent cooperation, interviewed the respondent, logged the answers, and remained on the line until the interview was complete. The House seat is open. Democrat Norm Dicks is retiring. Dicks received 58% of the vote in 2010.