In WA Rossi (R) won the Governor's office last year. Barely. The Dems managed to steal it back after the third recount and involvement of the court.
It's a blue state, largely because of Seatle. But a good candidate can pull off an upset here. Retain the upset after they toss in a few more fraudulent ballots? Harder to do. And, we have a mixture of Democrats here. Some are the extreme Gorbachav worshipers. Some are Scoop Jackson Dems. Some Liberal, but do not spend 24 hours on the sites of KOS or DU. These last two wouldn't support filibusters of a nominee like Alito. In an election year, under circumstances, it makes sense Cantwell wouldn't vote to maintain the filibuster. She'll feel free to vote against him though.