Washington House Democrats

November 19, 2006

SeaTac – House Democratic Caucus held elections for their top leadership positions this afternoon. Reelected were:

Speaker Chopp expressed gratitude to his caucus. “I am very proud to be a part of this team,” he said. “The continuity of our leadership team has really helped us begin to make our vision for Washington’s future a reality.”

“With our increased majority comes an increased responsibility,” said Kessler. “We must continue to make steady, strategic progress on our legislative agenda.”

“We have an advantage, though, because the values we have worked so hard to represent are shared by people from all corners of the state.”

Chopp has served as Speaker or Co-Speaker since January of 1999 – he is beginning his ninth term as leader of the House. Kessler and Grant have also held their positions for that entire time.

“It is pretty unusual for a leadership team to remain this constant,” said Kessler. “Since Frank, Bill, Sharon, John and I represent very different districts, diverse voices are heard at the highest levels – and I think that really contributes to our success.”

The Speaker-designate and Speaker pro tem-designate will be elected by the entire House on the first day of session – January 8, 2007.

Other members of the House Democratic Caucus leadership team will be selected at a later date.

Contacts:
Speaker Frank Chopp 206-729-3223