Gregory Roberts at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has an interesting story detailing how Washington state's past elections would have been different if we always had the "top-two" primary system. Think Locke versus Rice, Goodspaceguy versus Mike the Mover, Dixy Lee versus McDermott. Meanwhile, Jeff Mapes at The Oregonian wonders if Oregon voters know what they could be getting themselves into with Measure 65, a ballot initiative that – if approved – would implement the top-two primary in Oregon as well. ...
An apple a day: Things are looking up for Washington state's apple growers, as this year's apple production is expected to be up 4 percent from 2007. ...
Crab apple: Washington state wants its legal fees back after thwarting political parties' attempts to block the top-two primary. ...
Cold cut and dry: The Seattle Times reports challengers to Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., don't have much of a shot at taking down the 71-year-old congressman. ...
Dry mouth: Officials from six counties vented their anger to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., yesterday about the Federal Emergency Management Agency's poor response to widespread floods in December.
Leaving a bad taste: News Tribune columnist Peter Callaghan agrees state schools superintendent candidate Randy Dorn might be cheating campaign finance laws, but he warns supporters of incumbent superintendent Terry Bergeson not to expect the Public Disclosure Commission to deal with the claims anytime soon. ...
Tasting better: The state's Board of Health is considering updating a 40-year-old rule that would finally force local schools to test the quality of their drinking water. ...
Five-martini lunch: If you're looking for free beer or wine, you're in luck. The Washington State Liquor Control Board is starting a pilot program that would allow once-a-month taste tests at selected grocery store locations. ...
Lunch money: The editorial board the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says placing tolls on Interstate 90 and state Route 520 puts the region on "the right track." ...
Out to lunch: And finally, those failed automated toilets the city spent nearly $5 million installing? They're still up for sale on eBay, and currently they're going for as little as $898.88 a piece. ...
