Local News

The Associated Press TACOMA — Rep. Steve O’Ban has been appointed to fill the seat of Sen. Mike Carrell, who died last week from complications related to his treatment for a blood condition. The Pierce County Council was unanimous in its Tuesday vote for O’Ban. O’Ban was one of three names forwarded to the council by Pierce…

The Associated Press OLYMPIA — A state Senate panel has removed sanctions against a Republican lawmaker despite fresh allegations that she mistreated staff members in the Legislature. The Senate Facilities and Operations Committee decided Tuesday night that Sen. Pam Roach can now resume direct contact with staff. Republican Sen. Don Benton, who chairs the committee, declined to…

The Associated Press The King County ombudsman has decided not to pursue an investigation of Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna.  Ombudsman director Amy Calderwood said in a letter to McKenna released Friday that too much time has passed since he worked on the Metropolitan King County County Council about a decade ago. She says memories have surely…

The Associated Press A committee that screens candidates for judge in King County has agreed to reconsider its rating of “not qualified” for one such candidate, after several judges and other lawyers spoke out on her behalf.  Hong Tran is running for an open seat on the Superior Court bench against senior deputy King County prosecutor Sean…

 The Associated Press A woman who’s running for superior court judge in King County says she was stunned to receive a rating of “not qualified” from the county bar association, and she’s not the only one who was surprised. Two state appeals court judges have now written to the King County Bar Association on behalf of attorney…