The drama of who will replace the late state Rep. Roger Freeman in the 30th legislative district continues. As Shift reported, Pierce County Council members wanted a joint meeting with their King County counterparts to appoint Freeman’s replacement following the “method used in earlier appointments that crossed county lines.” The News Tribune points out that the method has “the backing of a 1941 state attorney general opinion.”
Despite the call for joint action, the King County Council decided to take action unilaterally and voted for school board chair and former Washington Education Association leader Carol Gregory as Freeman’s replacement. Gregory was the 30th District Democrats’ first choice for the appointment—because Freeman was a Democrat, his replacement must be a Democrat.
The Pierce County Council was left with a few options—“it could second the King County Council’s choice of Gregory, it could pick a different candidate or it could punt.” The Council chose to punt.
As Shift pointed out, if the two county councils failed to reach a joint decision by December 28 then Jay Inslee would be left with the decision. Democrats believe Gregory has the best chance of winning in the 30th LD during the next election cycle, so Inslee will likely appoint her.
Another indication that Inslee will appoint Gregory is her close ties with the WEA—we all know how much Inslee likes to please his top campaign donors.
Let me guess…… A liberal Leftwing-Nut.