State Sen. Maureen Walsh (R-Walla Walla) hopes that after a heated election season, legislators can return to a more civil tone come January. “Civility is important to me. I’m hoping folks are feeling the same way. Working together we can accomplish a lot,” she said. Walsh also acknowledged the realities for Olympia Republicans, given the recent election results. “I think there’s a lot of things we need to continue to stay united with, making sure some bills don’t get through. Hopefully we’ll continue to be successful; you have to play a little defense when you’re in the minority.” (Washington State Wire)

The City of Seattle agreed to a $720,000 consulting contract with Anne Fennessy, the wife of one of Mayor Jenny Durkan’s deputy mayors and a longtime Durkan friend. Fennessy will be tasked with negotiating for the city as Sound Transit seeks to build Ballard, downtown and West Seattle lines. Fennessy will act as a “single point of contact” between the city and the transit agency under the four-year contract. (Seattle Times)

On Saturday the King County GOP will select a new leader – and it’s pretty clear who it shouldn’t be. Three candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for KCGOP chair: Current vice chair Cynthia Cole, political operative Doug Basler, and Kathy Finney, a former PCO in the 45^th Legislative District. After looking at the trio’s backgrounds, Basler’s is chock-full of bankruptcies, deceits, and questionable business practices. (NW Daily Maker)

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission yesterday denied the sale of energy company Avista Corp to Hydro One Ltd. The 47-percent Canadian ownership in Hyrdo One was a key sticking point during the review. The commission stated: “The proposed transaction cannot be said to be consistent with the public interest when it is evident that decisions affecting Hydro One’s and Avista’s business operations and financial integrity are subject to political considerations…” (The Spokesman-Review)

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