State Rep. switches to Democrat

[freeplessinseattle]

OLYMPIA -- The Grand Old Party's lights are dimming further in King County.

Fred Jarrett, Mercer Island's state representative and the last remaining Republican from suburban King County in the Legislature, switched parties Thursday.

He said Republicans have become so diminished in power and out of touch with voters that they're no longer a relevant part of the debate on state policy.

"I've become more and more convinced that all of the decisions that are going to be made are going to be made inside the Democratic caucus," he said. "Fundamentally, I've been a moderate progressive Republican, and I've seen the party become less and less interested in that approach to winning. I ultimately came to the conclusion that I felt more comfortable as a Democrat."

Jarrett's move gives Democrats a 63-35 majority in the House -- and bolsters power for the party, which also controls the Senate 32-17 and the Governor's Mansion. Jarrett said he plans to run for a newly announced open seat in the state Senate next year.

One-term Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, said Monday that he would not seek re-election.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/343508_senate14.html

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Yay! n/t