Democrats in the state Senate selected Sen. Andy Billig of Spokane as the next Majority Leader in an attempt to make their caucus look a little less Seattle-dominated. Billig is the only Democrat in the Senate representing Eastern Washington. Billig moves into the new role after previous majority leader Sharon Nelson, whose leadership was quietly criticized, chose to retire from the Legislature. (Washington State Wire)

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steve Gonzalez is set to win every county in the state over his challenger, attorney and noted conspiracy theorist Nathan Choi. Some worried Gonzalez’s surname would hurt him against Choi, but that was unfounded. The Washington State Wire summarized Choi’s candidacy: “He hasn’t served as a judge, isn’t rated by any bar associations, his campaign website includes references to conspiracy theories, and the state has sued him for failing to disclose campaign finances (among other issues).” (Washington State Wire)

With just a little more than 500 votes left to count, Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) maintains a small lead over his liberal challenger. “My lead is more than the outstanding ballots that haven’t been counted,” Walsh said Monday. “Something strange could happen, but if nothing strange happens when the remaining ballots are counted, it seems to me mathematically that the outcome will not change, but the margin might.” (Longview Daily News)

The Bellevue City Council is considering making its current winter-only shelter into a year-round shelter until a permanent site is picked. According to city officials, the permanent shelter is possibly more than five years from being opened. The city begun looking for a permanent location back in 2012. (Seattle Times)

According to a man who runs a Seattle needle exchange, multiple “safe injection sites” are operating illegally around King County. Last year after King County officials said they wanted to allow sites for addicts to legally shoot up heroin, several cities voted to ban the sites in their jurisdiction. (KIRO 7)

A deep sigh of collective relief could be heard from Spokanites (Spokanians?) after failed Congressional candidate Lisa Brown swatted away rumors that she will run for mayor. That doesn’t mean she plans to stay out of politics. “I’m going to take some time and evaluate some of the possibilities,” Brown said. (The Spokesman-Review)

Even though three Mabton city officials were behind on paying their municipal water, sewer, and garbage bills by at least two months, their utility services were not shut off. “This gives the appearance of a conflict of interest (special privileges), which violates state law,” according to the state audit report that shed light on the late bills. Those three accounts were among just 10 delinquent accounts the audit found. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

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