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A cordial beginning

Democrats' huge majority creates new equation at Capitol

BY ADAM WILSON AND BRAD SHANNON | THE OLYMPIAN • Published January 09, 2007

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Washington Democrats opened the 60th Legislature on Monday with the expected pledges of cooperation and bipartisanship, despite their nearly overwhelming strength of numbers.

Unlike last year, when House Republicans jump-started the session with a demand for an immediate vote on sex offender oversight, both parties stuck to formalities Monday. And unlike two years ago, when the debate over the 2004 governor's race was still raging, there was no question about who was in control.

"Let's start with education, which my mom and dad always said was the best way up and out of poverty," Speaker of the House Frank Chopp said to applause.

The Seattle Democrat helped orchestrate last fall's successful campaigns, leading to a 62-36 majority for his party in the House. In the Senate, Democrats rule 32-17, and they are expected to emphasize issues such as funding for education and increased access to health care and jobs.

'One Washington'

Republicans respectfully vowed to have their say, even if the Democrats have enough votes to move bills without them.

"We will do everything we can to make sure 'one Washington' is represented," House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt of Chehalis said.

Democratic Sen. Tim Sheldon of Potlatch predicted that his Senate colleagues will be restrained, rather than pursue an aggressively liberal agenda - "simply because they are astute. They'll be wise to play down the social issues and work hard on the financial issues in this session."

Gov. Chris Gregoire reinforced a message of cooperation in a note to lawmakers that Republican Sen. Dale Brandland of Bellingham read on the Senate floor. "We have lots to do and need to do it in a bipartisan manner," Brandland quoted her as saying. "Have a good session."

"They all start the same," Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said of the bipa rtisan talk. "We're all eternal optimists on opening day."

Gregoire, a Democrat, laid the groundwork for the session by proposing a $30 billion general-fund budget over two years. Using much of an expected $1.9 billion surplus, it would increase funding for education at all levels, spend more on environmental cleanup, and expand state health care coverage for children in low-income homes.