OLYMPIA — The four legislative caucuses in Olympia have re-elected their top leaders.
Rep. Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, stays as speaker of the House. Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, will again be House minority leader.
Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, will return as Senate majority leader. And Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, is once again the Senate minority leader.
A few close legislative races as yet haven’t been decided from the Nov. 4 election, but Democrats will still have majorities in both chambers. The Legislature is scheduled to start Jan. 12.
State House races headed for recounts
State law requires a machine recount for any race if the margin is less than 2,000 votes and one-half of 1 percent. A hand recount is required in legislative races if the margin is less than 150 votes, and one-fourth of 1 percent.
In the 6th District, Democrat John Driscoll is leading Rep. John Ahern, R-Spokane, by 63 votes, or about 0.09 percent.
Councilman angry at comments that ridicule
Kingsbury said they are "emotional terrorism." The cards were mailed to churches and social services agencies in Olympia. Kingsbury says his phone was constantly ringing Thursday about the cards.
Seattle: Man gets 30 months for ID theft
Scott Andrew Shain, 53, originally from Chelsea, Mass., was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court on fraud, identity theft and gun charges. Prosecutors said he stole more than 20 identities since 1985, including some from dead people.
Judge John Coughenour set the sentence at 30 months — about a year below the guideline range — because of Shain’s mental issues. Prosecutors noted that he never tried to make any money off his stolen identities, but primarily used them to escape his personal feelings of failure.
King County prosecutors say the new Snoqualmie Casino was hit by a scam four days after opening.
Snoqualmie Pass: Ski resort expanding
The resort plans to build six new chair lifts and three surface lifts. It also plans night lighting on snow trails.
Bellevue: Teacher charged with student sex
King County prosecutors filed charges Friday against 47-year-old Deene Juncker. He faces up to 54 months in prison if convicted on three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Court papers disclose an e-mail to the girl with the message, "I loved having the chance to truly make love to you the way I have always wanted."
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