Gregoire appointed state senator to post despite staff concerns

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Republicans have released documents that show Governor Chris Gregoire appointed a state senator to a $92,000 a year job –- despite concerns that the senator wasn’t qualified for the position. This is just the latest development in a political drama touched off by the appointment.

Last April, then state Senator Cheryl Pflug applied to fill a Republican vacancy on Washington’s Growth Management Hearings Board. Just released emails reveal that Gregoire staffers initially recommended Pflug not even be interviewed. Her application had come in late and she did not meet the basic qualifications for the position -- including being an attorney.

Nonetheless, Pflug was interviewed and her appointment was announced in May. But the deadline had just passed for Republicans to field a candidate of their choice to replace Pflug in the state Senate. This set off allegations of political gamesmanship on the part of Gregoire -– something the governor denies.

Pflug is in the process of becoming a lawyer and says her 13 years representing a suburban district prepared her well to deal with land use issues on board.

On the Web:

Cheryl Pflug profile

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