U.S. Supreme Court to review top-two primary decision

Statement by Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed

"We are pleased the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear arguments on the top-two primary initiative, Initiative 872.

We firmly believe in the people's right to initiative and we will continue to work to uphold the voters' will.  Initiative 872 is important because it allows voters to choose any candidate on the primary election ballot without being limited to a single political party.

The Ninth Circuit decision not only struck down the primary election system chosen by Washington's people, but also left the state in serious doubt as to what constitutional options it has in crafting a primary that reflects the people's will.

We believe that Washington's 'top-two' primary meets the constitutional standards set by the U.S. Supreme Court and look forward to presenting our case."

-- Secretary of State Sam Reed and Attorney General Rob McKenna

Oral arguments may be held in October.