Who’s in charge of the Legislature? Turns out, this is a pleasant question. The answer is everyone, because both parties will share control of the state Senate.An unprecedented majority coalition caucus was announced on Monday, and there are multiple Clark County aspects to what state Sen. Don Benton describes as this new “philosophical majority.”
First, there is the effect of Benton himself, whose re-election was not assured until a month after the Nov. 6 election. A recount confirmed Benton’s victory by 76 votes (out of more than 55,000 cast) and with Democratic Sens. Rodney Tom of Bellevue and Tim Sheldon of Potlatch supporting the Republicans’ proposal — a balanced approach is in effect. That’s good for the Legislature and good for Washingtonians, and it never would’ve happened without Benton’s victory. If the majority coalition’s promises of shared control of the Senate prove to be true as the session unfolds, then hats off to Sen. Benton. Republicans and Democrats will chair six Senate committees each, and one senator from each party will co-chair each of three other committees.
Another Clark County chapter of this story concerns strength of voice. Democrats for years have maintained a pit bull’s grip on control, especially in the House, with token crumbs of control tossed occasionally to Republicans. Now, neither party can afford to bully the other.
Also affecting our corner of the state is the geographical component of the coalition caucus. Typically, King County kingpins controlled Senate committees, especially the important ones. Now, committee chairs have been chosen from throughout the state. That, too, is good for the entire state.