WA congressman in line for Murtha's defense slot

OLYMPIA, Wash. — U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks is likely to succeed the late Rep. John Murtha as chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending.

WA gov to participate in torch ceremony

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Chris Gregoire will join British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell for a cross-border Olympic torch ceremony.

Under the Dome for Feb. 9

Good morning. Today is Tuesday, Feb. 9, the 30th day of the 60-day legislative session.

State weighs privatizing booze

Thousands of cases of whiskey, vodka and rum zip along three miles of conveyor belts inside a massive distribution center in industrial south Seattle, the sole location for shipping booze to liquor stores across Washington state.

Cantwell among few to seek tough bank rules

WASHINGTON - To hear Sen. Maria Cantwell talk, another economic bubble is building as the big Wall Street banks - backed by taxpayer bailouts - continue to play the high-risk derivatives markets rather than extend credit to struggling small businesses on Main Street.

Republican state senator enters US Senate race

VANCOUVER, Wash. — A Republican state senator says he will enter the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.

Ex-lawmaker appointed to parks agency

Patricia Taylor Lantz of Gig Harbor has been appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to serve a six-year term on the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, filling the post left by retiring Commissioner Joan Thomas of Seattle.