That's the best news to report from my chaperoning of a field trip to Olympia. Plus, I think the statute of limitations has expired on my pilfering of a Senate page jacket back when I served in that august position.

In all seriousness - though I still have that jacket - I was reminded what a splendid state capitol building we possess here in the Evergreen State. And while there is much to complain about what is going on (or at times the lack thereof) in state government, I was also reminded of the respect many elected officials deserve for their willingness to put it all on the line, whether we end up agreeing with them or not.

Accordingly, I must thank Representatives Mary Helen Roberts, Ruth Kagi, Liz Loomis, and Al O'Brien for making the time to speak to the group. I know Al from my previous job and aside from our partisan differences have found him to be one of the most genuine people you'll find in the Legislature. Meanwhile, warning to Republicans in the 44th District: newly appointed Liz Loomis shows some real skill in the character traits one would expect to see from a talented retail politician.

I note also it is a testament to Republican losses in the Legislature that children from a private school whose attendance area stretches in a rough crescent from Everett to Mill Creek to Woodinville to Magnolia/Queen Anne are represented almost exclusively by Democrats.