Paul Queary

The timing of the poll allows for some last-minute decision-making, and one of the later questions tests a possible off-ramp for Mullet (running for Insurance Commissioner) should the results turn out bleakly. 

The 10th district, which for years was represented by thoughtful, moderate Republicans very much like Muzzall, has been trending D in recent years.

The campaign against repealing the state’s cap-and-trade system for major emitters of carbon pollution rolled out a splashy new slate of donors, including two of the larger sources of said emissions. 

The campaign money almost certainly won’t be there for Semi Bird. Major Republican donors are thus far conspicuously absent from the party’s balance sheet this year. In fact, things are looking a bit threadbare over there.

Repealing the current laws on nudity theoretically opens the door for anyone with an existing liquor license to feature some hot naked people.

With key Democratic leaders retiring, the race is on for a new state Senate majority leader. Meanwhile, at least five new members means a brand-new dynamic in the State Senate.

Ambitious and expensive childcare proposals died this year, and bills to encourage density near transit stops got derailed again.

Some bills were stripped of controversial sections, and then the strip-club strippers showed up in Olympia.

Ideas never die in Olympia, but since the Legislature works on a biennial cycle, the bills pushing up daisies this week will stay in the grave at least until 2025 unless they get the zombie budget treatment.

The Senate version currently would impose a 15% limit on rent increases, with an exemption for newly built housing. Local jurisdictions could impose tighter restrictions. If Sen. Cleveland doesn’t sign off on the bill, it would likely die for the year.