Elective Office: Senate 2002 and 2006, current term expires January 2011.

Leadership: Republican Whip, 2007-present; Republican Caucus Vice Chair, 2005-06; Majority Caucus Vice Chair, 2003-04.

Standing Committees (2007-9): Ways and Means,
Ranking Republican Member, Capital Budget; Human Services and Corrections; Early Learning and K-12 Education.

Special Committees: Organized Crime Advisory Board; Joint Task Force on Child Safety; Joint Task Force on Criminal Background Checks; Joint Select Committee on Public Health Financing; Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB); Ecosystem Coordination Board/Puget Sound Partnership, 2007-present; Capital Campus Design Advisory Board, 2007-present; K-12 School Construction Infrastructure Task Force, Co-Chair, 2007-present; School Disciplinary Action Task Force, 2008.

Community Activities: Past president, Washington State Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association; Past Chair, United Way of Whatcom County; Whatcom County Mental Health Advisory Board; Whatcom Hospice Foundation, board member; Boys and Girls Club, board member; Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County, Pacesetter Award 2006.

Honors and Recognitions: Cornerstone Award, Association of Washington Business, 2005; Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access Award for Leadership, 2005; Washington State Coalition for Homeless Certificate of Appreciation, 2005; National recognition for expertise in border issues; Associated General Contractors 2004 Legislator of the Year Award; Washington Association of County Clerks 2003 Legislative Star Award; Legislator of the Year 2006 – Washington State Medical Association; 2008 Guardian of Small Business Award, National Federation of Independent Business.

Education: Washington State University, graduated 1975 with a degree in police science and administration; FBI National Academy, graduated 1998.

Military Service: United States Navy, 1968-1969.

Employment: Whatcom County Sheriff 1992-2003; Bellingham Police Officer.

Personal: Dale and his wife, Jean, live in rural Whatcom County. They have two children and five grandchildren.