The Morning Briefing – April 08, 2019

Bob Ferguson thinking of how he can push Inslee out of the Governor’s mansion

Happening in Olympia

With Jay Inslee vying for his next job (while ignoring his current one), Crosscut thought they would take a crack at identifying which Washington politicians may be doing the same. So far the list of liberals climbing over one another likely pursuit of the Governor’s mansion includes, but is not limited to: Bob Ferguson, Dow Constantine, and Hilary Franz. “If he makes a decision not to run for a third term, then obviously I’d make a decision whether to run for governor or a third term myself,” Ferguson told Crosscut. (Crosscut)

Yesterday the state Democratic Party voted to use the primary election results – instead of caucuses – to allocate their presidential delegates. “Democrats in Washington are ready for the big show in 2020,” state Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski said in a statement. “We look forward to more presidential candidate attention and visits, increasing voter and activist engagement.” (Seattle Times)

Western Washington

Close to three months after the new State Route 99 tunnel opened to traffic, officials say the tunnel is seeing roughly 24 percent fewer cars than was forecasted. “We believe drivers are still experimenting with the new SR 99 system as the number of trips is increasing with time,” said Laura Newborn, spokesperson for the viaduct replacement program. Readers of Shift won’t be surprised to hear that state officials massively missed another forecast. (KING 5)

Eastern Washington

Washington State University’s Bias Advisory Response Team planned two de-escalation trainings to manage public encounters like a recent College Republicans event. “We are starting to see more programs that are controversial, and we think this would help students navigate through these kinds of situations in school and in life,” said WSU Police Sgt. Dawn Daniels. WSU College Republicans question whether or not these trainings are necessary.  WSU College Republicans President Amir Rezamand suggested his group was being blamed for people on the left not being able to act in a civil manner: “The implication that we are somehow linked to possible violent situations is especially egregious. We have been assaulted at our events, never the other way around.” (Campus Reform)

After it was announced that Denver police Lt. Matt Murray would be Yakima’s next police chief, some in the community began looking closer at his resume. The Yakima Herald-Republic examined a 25-page conduct review by the Denver Sheriff Department, which alleges Murray was involved in violating protocol in handling a sexual assault case and an open records request. This was one of a few different troubling aspects of his professional past. “In Denver, for such allegations against police officers or sheriff deputies, neither the chief of police nor the sheriff have the authority to make the final determination if allegations are sustained or not,” Moore said. “The responsibility falls to the civilian director of Public Safety, who oversees the Conduct Review Office.” (Yakima Herald)

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