Democratic state Sen. Jean Berkey of Everett brought her fight for a new election into the caucuses Monday and made a direct pitch to her peers not to seat Democrat Nick Harper when the Legislature convenes next month.
Berkey spoke first to her caucus and then to the Senate Republican caucus. She wouldn’t divulge any details of either appearance, only descibing her visit to the lair of the GOP as “fun.”
Berkey also delivered each senator a letter (see attached) and information on her allegations that a Seattle political consultant violated state laws in its effort to help Harper win the primary. She insists actions by Moxie Media misled voters and altered the outcome and is why she deserves a new election.
Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna has sued Moxie Media claiming it carried out illegal actions and the first court hearing is set for the end of January. A judge could eventually decide to toss out Harper’s victory in August and order another election.
“If these issues are not resolved, I am asking each of you to wait until the investigation is comp|ete and the court has rendered a decision before you seat any senator from the 386 Legislative District,” she wrote her colleagues.
If you were wondering, yes, Senator-elect Harper was in the caucus when Berkey briefed members on her endeavor.
Just a reminder, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown backs seating Harper and Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt does not.
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