Mike Carrell

The Washington State Senate Republicans chose to keep their leadership team in place today at a meeting in Sea-Tac, electing the same eight state senators to handle the posts they held last session.

Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla) will remain as the minority leader for the Republicans, a post he has held since since late 2005.

"It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to serve our caucus as leader over the past few years, and I am honored that my colleagues have elected me to continue in that role," Hewitt said in a press release. "The people of our state, and by extension the Legislature, are facing some very big challenges, from rising unemployment to the largest budget deficit in state history. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help the people of Washington through this time and on to an even more prosperous and bright future."

Almost $22 million was spent by independent parties on behalf of candidates in this year’s election, about ten percent of which was done at the legislative district level.

Leading the charge were three of the Republicans top challengers. Outside interests spent $172,548 on Kevin Parker’s (R-Spokane) behalf in the 6th District and $147,143 on Jan Angel (R-Port Orchard) in the 26th. Both won their races to become the first Republicans in years to take back a Democratic seat.

Third parties also spent more than $130,000 Toby Nixon (R-Kirkland) in the 45th LD. Many Republicans, and privately some Democrats, felt that Nixon would win his race, but he was turned back by incumbent Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland).

State Rep. Tami GreenPierce County Republicans have recruited a write-in candidate to stand against Rep. Tami Green (D-Lakewood) in the 28th Legislative District, the Tacoma News-Tribune is reporting. Led by Pierce County Councilmember Dick Muri (R-Steilacoom), the Republicans hope voters will write in Denise McCluskey (R-University Place). Right now, Green is unopposed despite the district being represented in the state senate by Republican Sen. Mike Carrell.

If she registers with the county auditor, one percent of the vote would get her on the November ballot. McCluskey told the TNT that she was still unsure, but was "strongly leaning toward" entering the race.