Democrats choose key leaders

There were no surprises today when the House Democrats gathered to begin selecting their leadership team for the next two years. 

House Speaker Frank Chopp

Re-elected without opposition were:
• Frank Chopp (Seattle): House Speaker-designate
• Pat Sullivan (Covington): Majority Leader 
• Eric Pettigrew (Seattle): Majority Caucus Chair
• Kevin Van De Wege (Sequim): Majority Whip
• Tami Green (Lakewood): Majority Floor Leader

The remaining members of the HDC Leadership team, including the Speaker pro tem-designate, will be elected at a future date. 

The Speaker-designate and Speaker pro tem-designate must be elected by the entire House on the first day of the 2013 session.

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.

Ross Hunter, Tour Guide

A group of Seattle University students dropped by the Capitol today, hoping to get a chance to see the House floor.  Generally, the House Chamber and the wings are not available to guests, except from the gallery.

However, Ways and Means Chair Ross Hunter happened to be on campus for a meeting and he offered the lucky group a personal, hands-on tour of the floor.

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.

New House Democrats starting early

Eight newly-elected Democratic House members arrived at the Capitol this morning to begin orientation. 

Although they don't officially start their new jobs until they are sworn in January 14, they are meeting with staff to talk about setting up their offices, hiring their legislative assistants, and other behind-the-scenes details.  Later today they will have a working lunch with Speaker Frank Chopp and Majority Leader Pat Sullivan before heading to their first caucus meeting.

Those attending are:

• Marcus Riccelli, District 3, Spokane
• Steve Bergquist, District 11, Renton
• Jake Fey, District 27, Tacoma
• David Sawyer, District 29, Tacoma
• Roger Freeman, District 30, Federal Way
• Gael Tarleton, District 36, Seattle
• Jessyn Farrell, District 46, Seattle
• Cyrus Habib, District 48, Bellevue

Dawn Morrell from Puyallup, newly-elected in the 25th District, was unable to attend. Monica Stonier is still leading in the 17th District, but those numbers are not yet final.

To read this story in Spanish, please click  here.

We're baaaaaack!

The election-year restrictions on public communications have been lifted, and your Advance will once again be posting interesting, informative, and, on occasion, entertaining tidbits about the Washington House Democratic Caucus. 

Much has happened since the freeze went into effect and we will try to do a little catching up over the next few weeks, as well as post any breaking news from the caucus.  In fact, we will have some HDC Leadership news tomorrow afternoon.

To read this story in Spanish, please click here.