After (mistakenly I thought, giving the advantage to US Rep. Jay Inslee in the governor's race when it first started tracking it), DC online mag Politico gives the year-end advantage to Washington State AG Rob McKenna. (They've been going with McKenna all fall.)

In a true sign of Politico's assessment of McKenna, the mag has also downgraded the competitiveness of this race, which it once listed as the most contested in the country.

4. Washington

The Evergreen State’s gubernatorial contest once topped the list, but has tumbled from “most competitive” status due to the strength of Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna’s campaign. Rep. Jay Inslee is shouldering two distinct burdens: discontent with outgoing Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire and the trappings of Washington. Inslee, who has never waged a statewide campaign, has trailed in every recent poll and faces an opponent with a genuine moderate sheen that fits the state and the moment. Another telling indicator that Inslee’s behind: He was first to raise the debate question, calling for a half a dozen showdowns next year.

Who won the year: McKenna

Latest poll: McKenna 44 percent, Inslee 38 percent (SurveyUSA, 549 likely voters, Nov. 21-23)