Hope hoping to make it official

Weather permitting, Republican Mike Hope will be sworn into office as a state legislator tonight.

Snohomish County District Court Judge Tam Bui is scheduled to conduct he swearing-in ceremony at a private Marysville home. Hope said he’s invited a few close friends and campaign confidantes – including Ed Nixon, brother of former President Nixon.

Hope unseated Rep. Liz Loomis, D-Snohomish, in the 44th Legislative District following a hand recount. Results of the recount were certified Monday and Hope emerged the winner by 134 votes.

Also today, Hope said he’s hired Blair Anderson as his legislative aide. Anderson managed Hope’s campaign in the final three months of the race..

Aderson is a former leader of the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce.and his resume includes a stint with Barclay’s North Inc., the now defunct development company owned by Patrick McCourt.

And Anderson is not a stranger to the ways of Olympia. He worked for HROC – the political arm of the House Republican Caucus – in 2004 and 2005, according to Hope.