In a 25-21 vote divided along partisan lines, the state Senate fired Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson on Friday by refusing to confirm her, three years after her initial appointment.
An appointee can serve indefinitely without formal confirmation, but can no longer serve if rejected.
Peterson's mostly Republican opposition — nominal Democrat Tim Sheldon joined them — cited ongoing problems with I-405 toll lanes and the Highway 99 tunnel project in their refusal to confirm the secretary. In the wake of the vote, accusations have surfaced claiming majority Republicans in the Senate are attempting to weaken Gov. Inslee, who appointed Peterson, during an election year.
Inslee's office released a statement on the Senate vote, saying “Today’s vote by Senate Republicans is a blatant misuse of the confirmation process for political purposes. Republican’s actions today do nothing to engender confidence about their ability to focus on the important priorities facing legislators this session. ... This about face by Republicans is shameful.”
In a statement, Sheldon said, “Every session has a nameplate issue, and this year it is leadership and accountability."
Crosscut's full story is here.
