Washington 2020: The Calm Before the Drizzle

[greenforest32]

As an Oregonian I am envious of this fine thread you all have for your state. I learned quite a bit about WA from reading the previous 175 pages

[greenforest32]

Hmm didn't see any posts on this May 2011 Public Policy Polling poll (PPPP) for Washington state that included a question about gay marriage (maybe I missed it?):

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2011/05/washington-says-no-thanks-to-kucinich.html

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I hear Inslee already announced his support which is cool. We're in a similar situation here in OR. Our current governor supports it and PPP did a poll back in June 2011 on us:

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2011/06/oregon-miscellaneous.html

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So 48/42 support for OR and 48/46 support for WA in 2011. Kind of disappointed neither of us is above 50% yet but I imagine it will keep going up. We're probably going to have a ballot measure on it in 2012. Any plans for WA?

[greenforest32]

Is Washington state going to have major budget fights in the legislature every year now like California because of that 2010 ballot measure that mandated a 2/3 supermajority for tax increases?

We don't really have major budget fights here in Oregon but we do have a 3/5 supermajority requirement for tax increases.

I really think raising taxes should only need a simple majority

[greenforest32]

Cantwell has stated her support for gay marriage

http://blog.seattlepi.com/stepforward/2011/08/30/senator-maria-cantwell-supports-marriage-equality-in-washington-state/

Awesome but why hasn't Murray done so too? I always thought she was to the left of Cantwell too.

[greenforest32]

Cantwell has stated her support for gay marriage

http://blog.seattlepi.com/stepforward/2011/08/30/senator-maria-cantwell-supports-marriage-equality-in-washington-state/

Awesome but why hasn't Murray done so too? I always thought she was to the left of Cantwell too.

I actually asked her if she supported gay marriage when I met her in D.C., but she just said it was a "state's right" and moved on.    lol

indeed.

She's the last west coast senator yet to support it publicly.

[greenforest32]

Even including Alaska?

No, Washington is way ahead of Alaska. I guess I should have been more specific.

[greenforest32]

Are you in DC now or something Meeker?

[greenforest32]

Are you in DC now or something Meeker?

I go to school out here.

Interesting. Planning to stay there?

[greenforest32]

Washington State Democrats endorse marijuana legalization initiative: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2016249170_state_dems_back_marijuana_lega.html

It seems like there are two or three different initiatives about this in WA right now. I assume the one aimed for 2011 never picked up enough momentum? What do you all think about this one's  (I-502) chances in the legislature and/or ballot?

[greenforest32]

I'm not sure what you're talking about.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2011/09/29/332031/montana-governor-waiver-for-single-payer/

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Kind of surprised Montana would elect a governor like that given its state legislature is predominantly Republican. I've always considered Montana to be Idaho-lite.

[greenforest32]

Good news (of sorts) for those who care about transportation. 

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I think 36% opposition is too weak to prevent it from passing.

Guess we'll find out soon. When is the election anyway? Next week or the week after?

[greenforest32]

http://www.kplu.org/post/seattle-think-tank-floats-state-capital-gains-tax

So how does raising taxes work in Washington now after the supermajority ballot measure:

1. A 2/3 legislative vote and it's enacted
2. A 2/3 legislative vote and a referendum affirming the increase
3. A legislative referral to the ballot (via a simple majority legislative vote) to approve the increase
4. A legislative referral to the ballot (via a 2/3 legislative vote) to approve the increase

?

[greenforest32]

Got it. These supermajority requirements are crazy. I bet they look at how it's worked out for Republicans in California (and the U.S. Senate with the filibuster) and just drool.

It's a shame there are so many people who want to make pointless gridlock inherent in the system

[greenforest32]

I didn't expect that type of margin of victory for the liquor privatization initiative. I was thinking more along a 3-5% win. I won't be surprised if a similar proposal comes down here in Oregon though our liquor laws aren't identical.

Also it looks like gay marriage won't be on our 2012 ballot D:

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/basic_rights_oregon_will_not_p.html

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I wonder how this issue will play out in Washington in 2012.

Here's to hoping at least marijuana legalization initiatives make both state ballots.

[greenforest32]

What's the likelihood the Washington AG/SOS positions are won by Democrats in 2012?

The less of a bench they get, the better.

[greenforest32]

What's up with Inslee supporting the balanced budget amendment on Friday?

The 2/3 supermajority wasn't reached thus the amendment failed and 25 Democrats (mostly Blue Dogs) voted for it: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll858.xml

Why is Inslee among those 25?

I was surprised to see Defazio vote yes as well: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68413.html

[greenforest32]

Another SurveyUSA poll for Washington: http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=baa19978-df0f-4904-827b-65df44d845fb

1. 3-yr 0.5% sales tax increase: 47% support, 47% oppose, 6% not sure

2. Legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a 25% purchase tax: 57% support, 39% oppose, 4% not sure

3. Same-sex marriage options: 40% support marriage, 32% support civil unions, 24% want no legal recognition

4. 2012 Governor: 44% McKenna, 38% Inslee, 17% undecided

5. 2012 Senate: Various, Cantwell winning all

[greenforest32]

Publicola interviewed Gov. Gregoire.  It covers a wide range of topics -- taxes, the budget, OWS, medical marijuana, gay marriage, education, Inslee/McKenna and her legacy.

Pt. 1 -- http://publicola.com/2011/12/19/publicola-qa-with-gov-gregoire-pt-1/

Pt. 2 -- http://publicola.com/2011/12/20/publicola-qa-with-gov-gregoire-pt-2/

Wow I kinda feel bad for her having to deal with such a down economy/budget and having voters reject some good proposals at the ballot

And why does she seem so hesitant to just flat out say she supports gay marriage?

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It's not like it would hurt her to openly support it.

[greenforest32]

Any chance one of the Democratic legislators will run in the Heckmander? It would at least be semi-satisfying if he lost to another Democrat.

They've all already endorsed him

Oh well. Some corrupt good ol' boy party hack wins. Again.

wurt.? You're an independent now? Protest against Tim Ceis?

I've been thinking about it for a while. It was one factor in my decision.

We'll see if I stick with it. Maybe I'm just being mad and will switch back. I don't know.

Governor McKenna, a Republican State Senate, and maybe 5 Republican Congressmen. Next year is gonna be just delightful.

Background on the state senate map?

[greenforest32]

And why does she seem so hesitant to just flat out say she supports gay marriage?
It's not like it would hurt her to openly support it.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2017151965_sources_say_gregoire_will_publ.html

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This update is probably as surprising as when Inslee announced he was running for Governor

[greenforest32]

http://publicola.com/2012/01/04/latest-poll-voters-still-for-legalizing-pot-but-support-drops/

[greenforest32]

The State Senate also has an odd number of members, making ties more rare.

So what type of scenarios allow for an odd-numbered legislative chamber to have a tie vote? Member(s) missing/dead or voting 'abstain/present/etc'?

[greenforest32]

So what happens to all the domestic partnerships if (once?) gay marriage becomes legal? Are they automatically converted into marriages?

[greenforest32]

This is going smoother than I expected. I'm pretty optimistic it will pass.

[greenforest32]

So what happens to all the domestic partnerships if (once?) gay marriage becomes legal? Are they automatically converted into marriages?

Answering my own question here: http://www.kimatv.com/news/local/Washington-House-introduces-same-sex-marriage-bill-137525018.html

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Words fail. In short: Rep. Glenn Anderson (R-5th LD) is also supporting marriage equality but is insane.

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2012/01/18/rep-glenn-anderson-backs-same-sex-marriage-after-research-into-code-of-hammurabi-council-of-trent-emperor-justinian/

lol