David Postman had a busy morning. First, The Seattle Times chief political writer reported the proper way to describe the death with dignity "assisted Suicide" initiative. Then he dropped a political firebomb, reporting the state's political parties haven't yet given up trying to axe the "top-two" primary, with both Republicans and Democrats claiming the entire '08 election won't count. I thought that headache was over. Turns out it's just getting started. ...
Kate Riley at the Times reported yesterday that Oregon was considering implementing the controversial primary format as well. After today, however, I'd doubt it.
Meanwhile, it looks like Sound Transit could soon receive a severe wrist slap from State Auditor Brian Sonntag. After the folks at Washington Policy Center Blog released a report showing Transit officials had given taxpayer money to special interest lobbies, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News investigative reporter Chris Halsne dug deeper, prompting Sonntag to launch a formal investigation. ...
Speaking of Sound Transit: It looks like Light Rail is controversial in Jerusalem, too.
With a little help from his friends: Just like Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith also has a cozy friendship with his state's native american tribes. ...
With a little help from their tax returns: David Goldstein at Horse's Ass says Times publisher Frank Blethen has no right to ask for candidates' tax returns if he doesn't come clean himself. To sweeten the deal for Blethen, Goldstein says he'll release his returns in exchange. ...
Not much help: Sixteen-term Congressman Norm Dicks' job may be in jeopardy, as several local Democrats still haven't endorsed his candidacy. ...
Not more money!: Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski says his state's future is "green," while GOP lawmakers say the governor's plan is – surprise, surprise – too expensive. ...Not smelling good: After President Bush told the German press he thought German asparagus is "fabulous," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., rushed to the defense of Washington's asparagus, sending Bush a care package of the state's finest. ...
Not my fault: Gov. Chris Gregoire and GOP challenger Dino Rossi continue to blame each other for the Sonics' exit. ...
It's in the bag: The Seattle City Council will hold a public meeting on Mayor Greg Nickels' proposed 20-cent plastic bag fee and foam ban tonight at 7 p.m. at City Hall. ...
It's in the dime bag: Oregon could have an initiative on the ballot that would legalize selling marijuana in stores. It would be available to anyone over 21 years old. ...
Neighborhood watch: The editorial board at The Seattle Times calls for more public oversight to monitor the less than accountable Seattle Police department. ...
Neighborhood walk: Defense Secretary Robert Gates will take a stroll through Fort Lewis today. ...
Start walking: The op-ed board at the Seattle Post-Intellegencer is defending Metro Transit's proposed 25-cent price increase. ...
Keep walking: Portland cancels its contract review of a chic cycle rental system. ...
Walkin' the walk: Dan Savage at The Stranger says as long as we're going to get a big mass transit system, we might as well make it look cute. ...
And for all you flacks out there, Chris Mulick at the Tri-City Herald has something to say: Don't send the news media press releases that don't tell us anything new. Oh, and avoid making up wonky quotes about things your legislator might have said while you're at it. ...
