Donkey Kong

Republicans don't share Chopp's sense of optimism about education specifically or the coming session in general. GOP strategist Dave Mortenson says, "The most difficult times in Olympia are when one party controls all three houses. You no longer have a loyal opposition. You have inflated egos. The position of the parties is often easier to deal with than the differences of personality. That's when it gets nasty."

So come May or June—the legislative session is supposed to last 105 days, ending on April 24, but nobody thinks it will be over that soon—many Democrats may be wondering why they wanted to control this mess anyway. By then, the GOP hopes to have a palliative for the Democrats' pain from a heavy crown: a new Gov. Rossi.

Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

Gregoire won the election, but Rossi's still campaigning through the courts.

Details

Who's Running This State?
Our Guide to the Mess in Olympia.

Fat Cats: Howard Schultz is among the many who have double-tall demands. By Rick Anderson MORE

The Revote Revolt: The Republicans are executing a perfect PR campaign, and the Democrats have rolled over. By George Howland Jr. MORE

Governors of Yore: Mossback's guide to the characters of the 1960s, '70s, '80s, and '90s. By Knute Berger MORE

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More About

• Lisa Brown
• U.S. Republican Party
• Frank Chopp
• Tax Policy
• Politics

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