More scenes from opening day in Olympia

It's been about 24 hours since legislators took the oath of office yesterday. Here are just a few of our favorite shots from opening day action...

Reps. Roger Freeman and Dawn Morrell rise for the the oath of office (photo by Linda Barnfather)

Rep. Jamie Pedersen discusses gun control legislation with KIRO's Essex Porter

Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon (l) and Marcus Riccelli gather in the rotunda prior to taking the oath of office (photo by Linda Barnfather)

Speaker Chopp makes a few last-minute updates to his opening day speech

(L to R) Seatmates Reps. Kevin Van De Wege and Steve Tharinger, along with Rep. Derek Stanford following opening day ceremonies (photo by Linda Barnfather)


Read this story in Spanish 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.