Mike Hewitt

The Tri-City Herald's Chris Mulick talked Republican state Senate politics this week with Minority Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla). Hewitt was particularly impressed with the campaigns of challengers Linda Haddon in the 10th LD, Randi Becker in the 2nd, and Steve Van Luven in the 40th.

In particular, he was impressed with Becker's doorbelling and Van Luven's ability to connect with influential lobbyists. Districts 2 and 10 are potential swing districts, but the 40th leans heavily Democratic. Hewitt told TCH that he hoped to have 20 seats in the Republican Senate Caucus next session.

Read the full story here.

On Tuesday the Spokesman-Review's Rich Roesler compiled a list of the top state senators in terms of cash on hand in their campaigns, whether they are running this year or in 2010.

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) leads the way with $131,104 followed by Sen. Margarita Prentice (D-Renton), which makes sense considering their power and the DemocraticSen. Lisa Brown (D-Spokane) lean of the state, but following those two are five Republicans. Vancouver's Don Benton has $107,842 and Minority Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla) has $102,199, while Joe Zarelli (R-Ridgefield), Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) and Bob Morton (R-Kettle Falls) aren't far behind.

So while the leadership caucus may not be terribly successful, as came to light during the Pam Roach controversy earlier this year, Republican State Senators are performing relatively well.

The sides are starting to take shape in the much publicized and fiercely worded quarrel among members of the Republican Senate caucus. Today Sen. Don Benton (R-Vancouver) took sides with Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn). In a letter to his colleagues obtained by the TNT, Benton criticized the professionalism, leadership and fiscal responsibility of the Republican caucus leaders, notably Sen. Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla).

Mulick at TCH and Turner at TNT have the back story of yesterday's Pam Roach incident.

State Senator Pam Roach (R-Auburn) blasted members of her party's leadership in an e-mail earlier this week, making accusations of lewd behavior, incompetent management and "personal problems" toward Minority Leader Mike Hewitt (R-Walla Walla). TNT's Niki Sullivan first reported on the tiff at Political Buzz.  read more »