The bill that would expand Domestic Partnership benefits passed out of the Senate and on to the Governor. Here is that story.
First, there were so many Democrats from swing districts around the state who knew the only responsible thing it to vote for the bill. Typically, the issue tends to be split along party lines so it is time to recognize the good and the bad of how legislators voted:
Republican Shirley Hankins from the Tri-Cities has long been considered a “moderate” but this time she actually showed it and voted yes. Also kudos to Republican Maureen Walsh from the 16th District in the heart of Walla Walla wine country. Republican Dale Brandland in the 42nd District also supported domestic partnerships for the 2nd year in a row. Republican Curtis King in 14th District covering Yakima was another amazing vote. And how about Senate Republican Cheryl Pflug 5th District who also voted for the bill. The 5th District is like the only Republican District left in King County.
And as far as the “bad” Democrats. Democrats James Hargrove from the 24th District and Tim Sheldon 35th District (Mason County including Bremerton) are no surprise. They have long been anti-gay Democrats in solidly Democratic Districts.
Both Mark Miloscia (Federal Way) and James Kastama (Puyallup) are considered conservative Democrats but there is no excuse for their “no” votes particularly Miloscia being from the 30th District in the rapidly growing city of Federal Way. As far as the other Rep in the 30th District; I thought that “the moderate” in Republican Skip Priest (formerly the Mayor of Federal Way) would finally show but he disappointed yet again and voted no for the bill.
For the 2nd year in a row Democratic Senator Marilyn Rasmussen (2nd District) and Democratic Representative Brian Hatfield opposed the measure. Hatfield’s 19th District encompasses the solidly Democratic Gray’s Harbor and Pacific Counties.
My biggest beef is with Democratic State Senator Paull Shin representing the 21st District (Lynnwood/Edmonds). He has expressed issues with gay marriage and he decided to vote no to expand domestic partnership benefits despite sponsoring the Senate version of the bill. Unfortunately, he is not up for re-election until 2010.
