Replacing a legislator

Graham Hunt, the disgraced legislator from the 2nd District has resigned and now his position must be filled by appointment.  The process is filled with political wrangling and infighting.

Here’s the way it works.

Since Hunt’s district spreads over two counties, the county council in Pierce and the county commission in Thurston will make the appointment of someone to take his place.    Since Hunt was a Republican, the Pierce and Thurston County Republican Party will nominate three people for consideration.   The joint-council-commissioners must appoint one of the three nominees.   If they can’t make a decision, the governor will make the choice for them.

The make-up of the Pierce County Council consists of 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats.   The Thurston County Commission is comprised of 2 Democrats and 1 Independent.   The chances of the next legislator from the 2nd Legislative District being from Thurston County is – – zilch.

The process is filled with politics.   First the Pierce and Thurston county Republicans must agree on three names.   Then the Pierce and Thurston county council and commissioners must agree on one of the three. Since the person selected will have to run for election this year the party in the minority would favor a weak candidate.   Since this is a presidential election year the chances of significant changes in the state legislature are possible.   Because Republicans from Pierce County hold the majority vote, the chances of appointing a weak candidate are slim.

While it is a serious situation and much thought will go into the process for political junkies this is great fun.  Stay tuned and we’ll keep you up-to-date.