Jul 22 2008
Washington Democrats deny inquiry into Gregoire over tribal deal
Democratic leaders in the Washington state Legislature have decided to reject an investigation into the connection between Governor Christine Gregoire and tribal gambling compacts.
If you’ve been watching TV, you’ve no-doubt seen the attack ads against Gregoire on this topic.
According to the Seattle P-I, Republican leaders requested the inquiry last month after a story in the newspaper raised questions about details of the compacts and tribal campaign contributions to Democrats and Gregoire. “As governor, Gregoire negotiated tribal compacts that have allowed expansion of gambling in Washington and reversed her position on revenue sharing, which she now opposes.”
In the newspaper, House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said an inquiry would be counterproductive.
“The House does not agree with the Republican leadership’s request for what seems to be a blatant attempt to further a political campaign agenda,” he said in a statement.
“These kinds of tactics, designed to divide the people of Washington state rather than unite us, are not what the legislative process should be focused on.”
Really now? While there may not be a beneficial reason to open such an inquiry, to say this isn’t what the legislative process is all about is laughable. What is the Washington legislative process about?
Is it about opening a legislative debate on impeaching the President, which the legislature has NO say in whatsoever?
Is the legislative process about trying to force a national change in the Electoral College system?
Is it about trying to secure a new Arena for the Seattle Supersonics?
Is it about trying to ban plastic bags?
Is it about banning the kind of dishwashing detergent people in Washington can use?
Is it about naming a frog the official state amphibian?
The legislature tackled all of these issues in its last session. So its pretty laughable when the Speaker of the House, in essence, claims the legislature has better things to do.
What do you think?
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Well of course the Democrats are not going to inquire into tribal deals.
Just about everyone in Olympia has accepted tribal campaign donations if you spend some time trawling through the public disclosure commission’s website - including a very hefty amount to the Washington Democratic Central Committee fund just this year alone ($200k)
Anything to do with gambling–casino, lottery, whatever–is not good for the state, and the state should not take part in it. By the very nature of the business, there will be shady deals and misuse of funds–not to mention the heartache the compulsive behaviors of gambling visits on families and the related expense of law enforcement and social services. You reap what you sow, and these practices have brought trouble. There should be transparency and accountability, to the penny, of how these monies are used. However, if the situation was reversed, I’m sure the Republicans would be blocking an investigation just as adamantly–and just as wrongly–as the Democrats are doing.