D.C. online magazine Politico continues to give Rob McKenna the advantage in the Washington State governor's race—McKenna had the advantage as 2011 came to a close, according to Politico .

Nudging the race from 4th most competitive in the county to 5th this month (knocking it after the page jump), Politico says the gay marriage issue—which has certainly got McKenna doing verbal gymnastics —isn't enough to give Inslee the lead:

5. Washington (Down 1 spot) — With a gay marriage initiative likely to land on the November ballot, Democrats believe they were handed an issue that could put Republican Rob McKenna in an uncomfortable corner. But while McKenna’s opposition to same-sex nuptials might put him at odds with the state’s progressive tilt, Democrats took the attack too far and were reprimanded by The Seattle Times, which rendered their claims that he likened gay marriage to polygamy and incest “false.” On top of that, polling shows the attorney general remains stronger than Democrat Jay Inslee on the more dominant issues of the budget and education. McKenna can also claim a surprise victory on the fundraising front: Despite being forced by law to shut down cash collection on Nov. 27, he still entered the year with a $200,000 cash-on-hand advantage.

Who won January: McKenna

Latest poll: McKenna 46 percent, Inslee 43 percent (King5/SurveyUSA, 617 registered voters, Jan. 12-16)