By Susanna Ray
Herald Writer
OLYMPIA – Thanks to Snohomish County, Democrats took over in Olympia on Monday.
And the two local lawmakers who made it all happen got an immediate “thank you” from their leader by being selected to fulfill a ceremonial role in the opening session of the 2002 Legislature.
Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, and Rep. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, won their seats in November, which ended the three-year power sharing between Republicans and Democrats in the state House of Representatives.
Now, Democrats have a two-seat majority in the House and a one-seat advantage in the Senate, in addition to controlling the governor’s mansion with Gary Locke.
Sullivan and Berkey were chosen for a four-person team sent by newly sworn-in Speaker Frank Chopp to tell the Senate that the House was “organized and ready to conduct business.”
And they can expect more gratitude to come, Chopp said later.
“For example, Brian really wanted to be on the transportation committee, so we put him on there,” Chopp said. “Anytime we can help like that, such as giving them a position or supporting one of their bills, we’re willing to do that.”
In the meantime, Republicans are getting used to their new, quieter role as the minority party.
Rep. Clyde Ballard, R-East Wenatchee, was relegated to a regular desk on the House floor after seven years up front as speaker or co-speaker. But he gave a heartfelt speech about harmony that was appreciated by Democrats.
People around the state are watching legislators closely, Ballard said, “and whether it’s fair or not, many of them don’t have very high expectations that we’ll get the job done” – not because the problems are insurmountable but because voters have lost faith that lawmakers can work together.
“My wish is that in the next 60 days, we prove to the people of Washington state that we’re worth their trust,” he added.
“Rather than finger-pointing and excuses, let’s get results.”
GOP members aren’t getting as much attention from lobbyists and interest groups now that they’re in the minority, several Republicans reported.
“They’re not coming around asking me to prime sponsor bills anymore,” said Rep. Dave Schmidt, R-Bothell.
The shift in the political landscape forced some real estate changes, too.
Rep. Barry Sehlin, R-Oak Harbor, had to move to an out-of-the-way corner a floor above his former office, which had been located near Rep. Helen Sommers, D-Seattle. The two are the chief budget writers in the House, so the increased distance could hamper communication.
Everett Democratic Rep. Aaron Reardon, on the other hand, moved into a prime office just above the legislative chambers and right next to Rep. Val Ogden, D-Vancouver, the House Speaker pro tem.
Legislators returned to Olympia after one of the shortest interim breaks in state history. Last year’s session didn’t end until July and was only one day short of setting a record.
Optimism was high that this session will end in its prescribed 60 days, but signs were everywhere of the hardships facing lawmakers.
Wooden crossbeams still support some ceilings in the marble hallways under the earthquake-damaged dome, and the improvised plywood wall behind the rostrum in the House chamber hadn’t been replaced but was instead artistically painted to match the surrounding marble.
And the state library was dark and empty, a grim reminder not only of pending earthquake repairs but also of Locke’s plan to close it to help fill the $1.25 billion hole in the state budget. But legislators got right to work with a ramped-up schedule for the short session.
The Senate immediately passed a bill to deal with the legalities surrounding the new legislative and congressional district boundaries drawn up by a redistricting commission that missed a soft deadline last month.
And the House Transportation Committee heard bills dealing with efficiency recommendations and a plan to make driving without a seatbelt a primary offense, which would allow law enforcement officers to pull over unbelted drivers.
Chopp said he hopes to take care of the efficiencies part of the transportation package this week, pass a regional plan next week and a statewide proposal the following week.
“We feel strongly that we should try to get transportation resolved within a month,” he said.
Political postscript: The roses filling the office of Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, weren’t lobbyists’ attempts to get her attention – they were birthday flowers. Haugen turned 61 Monday.
You can call Herald Writer Susanna Ray at 425-339-3439 or send e-mail to
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