OLYMPIA…Members
of the Senate Republican caucus today re-elected Sen.
Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, as their caucus
chair, the caucus’s second highest position and one she
has held for the past two years. Prior to that time
Parlette served as Senate Republican deputy leader.
“I am honored my colleagues have
selected me to continue serving as caucus chair,”
Parlette said. “This is a difficult time for the people
of Washington, as well as for the Legislature as it
grapples with a growing budget deficit and other
challenges. It is a privilege to continue on as part of
the Senate Republican leadership team as we propose
solutions to the many critical issues before us over the
next couple of years.”
As caucus chair, Parlette’s
responsibilities include:
·
calling members of the
caucus into session;
·
setting the agenda for
caucus meetings;
·
chairing all caucus
meetings;
·
speaking to groups and
organizations on caucus issues;
·
serving as spokesperson
for the caucus on operational matters; and
·
serving as the lead
Republican on the Senate Facilities and Operations
Committee.
Parlette was elected to represent
the 12th Legislative District in the state House in 1996
and 1998, and the state Senate in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
She serves on the Senate Health and Long-Term Care;
Financial Institutions and Insurance; Ways and Means;
and Rules committees.
Senate Republicans today also
elected the rest of their 2009-10 leadership team:
Leader: Sen. Mike Hewitt, Walla Walla; Floor Leader:
Sen. Mark Schoesler, Ritzville; Whip: Sen. Dale
Brandland, Whatcom County; Deputy Leader: Sen. Mike
Carrell, Lakewood; Caucus Vice Chair: Sen. Cheryl Pflug,
Maple Valley; Deputy Floor Leader: Sen. Jim Honeyford,
Sunnyside; Deputy Whip: Sen. Jerome Delvin, Richland
