Reps. Jim Buck and Lynn Kessler say they are optimistic that they can continue to pull for the North Olympic Peninsula in the new Legislature, which will be controlled by the Democrats in both chambers following last week’s elections.
Democrats are expected to gain control of the Senate by a 25-24 margin.
They already control the House of Representatives by a 52-46 margin, and that is expected to increase by between one and three seats.
House Majority Leader Kessler said she, Buck, R-Joyce, and Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, always have worked together for the 24th District that they share
And that won’t change, Kessler vowed.
Hopefully, the Democrats and the Republicans can find a way to work together on issues such as children’s healthcare and education funding, especially after the defeat of Initiative 884, Kessler said.
Initiative 884 would have increased the state sales tax by one cent for every $1 of retail sales to fund an education trust fund.
It is being defeated by a no vote of 60.8 percent compared with 39.2 percent “yes.”
‘Stop playing partisan card’
“I’d like to work with the Republican minority on these issues,” Kessler said.
“I’m really hopeful we can find a way to work together since the Democrats will pick up the Senate (majority), too.
“It’s time to stop playing the partisan card and get some things done.”
Buck said the Republicans made a big attempt to win back the House, so he was disappointed that the party actually lost seats.
Buck has a 2.7 percent lead over challenger Kevin Van De Wege of Sequim and declared victory over the weekend.