Something to celebrate...

OLYMPIA -- On the first day of the legislative session, Senate Republicans made a rushed attempt to persuade lawmakers to put off Democrat Christine Gregoire's gubernatorial confirmation for two weeks while a court challenge to her slim victory is heard.

They failed...

...and something less pleasant.

Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, switched sides and voted with the Republicans. He has a long history of voting contrary to his caucus...

Back in my days as a Legislative candidate, it was explained in no uncertain terms that while the caucus might tolerate a member going off-reservation on any number of issues, there were two votes that were considered sancrosanct. If you wanted to remain in good standing with the Party, you voted for Democratic leadership candidates and the Caucus budget bill. This year, there has to be a third on the list. Any Democrat worth the designation must support the election of our new Democratic Governor, no matter how scary the rattle and buzz from the Republican sound machine may become.

I'm pleased to see that Sen. Paul Shinn has replaced Sheldon as Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. Sheldon deserves no titles, nor does he deserve a single Democratic vote on any piece of legislation he may introduce during the session. When Tim Sheldon calls himself a Democrat, it's simply a matter of identity theft.

I encourage all you upper lefties to contact Majority Leader Lisa Brown and let her know that Real Democrats Shun Sheldon.