Iron workers counter-protest Sawant. Is “real Seattle” pushing back? Kshama Sawant received some serious pushback to her “head tax” plan last week. Construction workers whose livelihoods are dependent on tech growth shouted down the Socialist councilmember and told the media how much Amazon construction projects have meant to them. It was not at all what Sawant planned – is it a sign of further pushback to come? (Shift Wire)

Unite America, a national organization dedicated to electing independent candidates across the country, sees Washington State as a place it can gain ground. According to a new poll, 75 percent of Washington voters say they are open to supporting independent candidates for the state legislature. (Washington State Wire)

State officials plan to begin monitoring air quality downwind of a Canadian smelter. The announcement comes after the federal Environmental Protection Agency denied a petition from Spokane to install air monitors 20 miles south of a lead and zinc smelter in British Columbia. (Tacoma News Tribune)

A House panel will consider suspending Rep. David Sawyer (D-Tacoma) from his committee chairmanship after multiple accusations of sexual harassment were filed against him. Although an independent investigation into Sawyer’s actions is ongoing, House leaders said in a news release the inquiry had already “confirmed evidence supporting some allegations.” Sawyer chairs the House Commerce & Gaming Committee. (Tacoma News Tribune)

A man who accused former Seattle Mayor Ed Murray of sexual assault is now filing a lawsuit against the city.The suit claims the city publicly sided with Murray and “sat back and watched as Mr. Murray and his lawyer and his spokesperson defamed, disparaged, and slandered accusers.” (My Northwest)

The race between Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and challenger Lisa Brown is gaining national attention, most recently from liberal bastion MSNBC. The “journalist” making the trip to Eastern Washington says the race could be a tossup, calling Washington a “mostly blue state” – not exactly trenchant political analysis. (The Spokesman-Review)

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