Several lawmakers are missing the special session. OK, they might not be “missing” it. But they’re not here, for various family- and business-related reasons.
A third of Senate Republicans were gone Tuesday, some potentially for the whole session. Of course, given that Democrats have a 31-18 edge anyway, and have overturned requirements for a supermajority to pass taxes, their absences might not be worrisome for the minority party.
A couple of the most vocal members, Sens. Pam Roach and Don Benton, are away, but GOP Caucus Chairwoman Linda Evans Parlette told me the caucus will still get its message out.
“Those of us who are left, we are mighty,” Parlette said.
Some absences were long expected to happen if legislators went into overtime, Parlette said. Roach and Sen. Bob Morton were out of the state for family vacations, and Benton was away on business. Others are emergencies. Sen. Randi Becker’s mother was in the hospital, and Sen. Bob McCaslin has missed much of the session because of his own hospitalization.
There’s better attendance in the House, with a few exceptions. Republican Rep. Dan Roach is on the same trip that called his mother and senator away. Democratic Rep. Mark Ericks was gone until Friday, which could hold up tax and budget votes, the Everett Herald’s Jerry Cornfield reports. And Democratic Rep. Troy Kelley is on duty as an Army reservist, but expects to return.
Jordan Schrader, staff writer
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