WA State House Republicans chose new leadership team

11/23/02

Olympia, WA - Rep. Cathy McMorris today was selected as Republican Leader by her GOP colleagues in the state House of Represenatives during a reorganization meeting in Spokane.

The Colville lawmaker said the new House Republican leadership team’s top priorities for the upcoming legislative session will be improving Washington’s struggling economy, balancing the state’s budget without tax increases and creating the accountability necessary to restore the public’s trust in government.

“Our state’s economy has reached a real crisis,” said McMorris. “It’s going to take leadership, courage, innovation and hard work to create new jobs and make Washington an attractive place for employers again. But House Republicans are ready to lead the way.

“We are looking forward to working with the governor, House Democrats and the Senate to turn things around,” she added, “as well as balance the state’s budget by setting priorities and making the tough decisions to keep government living within its means without new taxes.”

Other members of the House Republican leadership team selected today include:

· Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, Deputy Republican Leader
· Rep. Beverly Woods, R-Poulsbo, Republican Caucus Chair
· Rep. Jim Clements, R-Selah, Republican Whip
· Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, Republican Floor Leader
· Rep. Janea Holmquist, R-Ephrata, Asst. Republican Floor Leader
· Rep. Dan Roach, R-Bonney Lake, Asst. Republican Floor Leader