Rep. Lynn Kessler will lead the new Democratic majority in the state House of Representatives next session, and she sees that as a “mixed blessing” as the state faces a $1 billion budget deficit.
After three years of sharing the House leadership with the Republicans based on a 49-49 split between the two parties, the veteran lawmaker from Hoquiam is set to be the one and only majority leader.
She had shared the No. 2 Democratic role with a No. 2 Republican counterpart, just as a Democrat and Republican were House co-speakers.
Victories last week by two Democrats in Snohomish County special elections broke the tie 51-47.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Kessler, 60, said of finally being full-fledged House majority leader. “Someone will be in charge.
“Now there will be someone to blame if things go bad or someone to congratulate if things go well.”
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