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State House Republicans
elect new leadership team
DeBolt continues role as Leader, looks forward to
2009 legislative session
State House Republicans
today elected a new leadership team that will lead the caucus heading
into the 2009 legislative session. The leadership vote came just 16 days
after a general election that will likely result in the caucus gaining
one or two more net seats in the Washington State House of
Representatives.
Rep. Richard
DeBolt, R-Chehalis, was re-elected House Republican Leader.
His responsibilities include overseeing the leadership team, setting
legislative priorities, policy development, and working directly with
the governor and other state government leaders.
“It’s an honor to be re-elected Leader by my House Republican peers. I’m
excited about the direction of our caucus and impressed with our
incoming freshmen,” said DeBolt. “We are looking
forward to unveiling our ideas and engaging not only our Democrat
colleagues, but the public, in finding solutions for the challenges
facing our state.”
DeBolt expressed not only a continued willingness, but
the state’s need, for House Republicans to work with Democrats and the
governor.
“Our state has been under one-party control since 2005. Today, we have
the largest budget deficit in state history, health insurance costs are
at an all time high, and education and transportation systems face
unprecedented challenges,” said DeBolt. “These problems
are too big for one party to solve and the best public policy comes from
the center. Our hope is the governor and her party will take a few steps
in from the left and embrace solutions that are rooted in balance and
responsible state spending.”
If current election results hold, House Republicans will pick up their
first net seat since 1994. Final results hinge on recounts in the 44th
District, where Republican challenger Mike Hope is up
98 votes on Democrat incumbent Liz Loomis, and in the 6th District,
where Republican incumbent
John
Ahern is down 63 votes to Democrat challenger John
Driscoll.
“For House Republicans to gain a seat or two when we were outspent
three-to-one and had to overcome an Obama wave is remarkable. We moved
the margin and look forward to the work ahead the next two years,” said
DeBolt. “A majority of voters in our country said they
want change in our nation’s capital. And we believe Washingtonians
deserve change in Olympia.”
Newly-elected House Republicans who won previously-held Democrat seats
are Jan Angel (26th District) and Kevin Parker
(6th District). Newly-elected House Republicans who won previously-held
Republican seats include: Matt Shea (4th District);
Shelly Short (7th District); Brad Klippert
(8th District); Norm Johnson (14th District) and
Bruce Dammeier (25th District).
Other House Republican leadership positions that were filled today are:
Deputy Leader –
Rep. Joel
Kretz, R-Wauconda, in the number two post, will help lead
in setting legislative priorities, organize caucus strategy and work
toward the adoption of bills supported by the caucus.
Floor Leader –
Rep.
Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, will assist in setting
legislative priorities and oversee caucus activities during floor
debate.
Caucus Chair –
Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, will help in setting
legislative priorities and preside over daily caucus meetings when
bills, amendments, voting, and other issues are discussed.
Whip –
Rep.
Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, will serve as
sergeant at arms, maintain decorum during caucus meetings and ensure
caucus activities are carried out in orderly fashion. He will also
assist with other leadership and caucus activities.
Assistant Floor Leaders –
Rep.
Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and
Rep.
Charles Ross, R-Naches, will assist the
Floor Leader with his duties and assist in other leadership and caucus
activities.
# # #
For more
information and member interviews, please contact: Communications
Director Lisa Fenton - (360) 789-6064
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