Washington’s lieutenant governor knighted by Spain

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Just call him Sir Brad.

Brad Owen, Washington’s fun-loving lieutenant governor, has been knighted by the Spanish government.

Owen, a Democrat from Shelton, is best known for his passion for rock music and the pomp of presiding over the state Senate. In the Senate chambers where he often honors visiting dignitaries, the tables were turned Wednesday and he was the honoree.

Representatives of King Juan Carlos awarded Owen with Spain’s highest civilian honor for a non-Spanish citizen. His aide for international relations, Antonio Sanchez, also was honored.

Owen used the ceremonies to urge Americans to put aside their fear of foreigners and “move us a millimeter closer to world peace.”