Benton interviewed for lobbyist job

Sounds like state senator Don Benton's interview to be a lobyist for Clark County went well. From The Columbian:

Commissioners sounded as though it were a foregone conclusion that Benton would resign if hired. Commissioner Marc Boldt, who was elected with Benton to the Legislature in 1994, mentioned resignation when asking how long it would take before Benton could go to work.

"I'll start working for you as soon as you start paying me," Benton replied.

Benton did indicate he likely would not run for county commissioner in 2008 if hired as the county's lobbyist.

"If I want to work for the county, I don't think I would be interested in that," he said.

Benton said he believes he could easily make the transition from lawmaker to lobbyist, including taking direction from commissioners.

"What I want personally doesn't matter if I work for an employer," he said. "I am not here to give you my opinions, unless you ask for them."

Benton did his best to soothe over past political conflicts, including what he described as a sometimes rocky relationship with Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chairwoman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

"We don't see eye-to-eye, but we have developed a mutual respect for each other," he said.

They wouldn't. Would they? Allright, they would. It's Clark County we're talking about here. Whether they actually hire Benton remains to be seen. I would think former state senator Don Carlson would be a safter choice.

The county commissioners are supposed to make their decision in open meeting, probably today. I still can't imagine how it serves the county to hire someone who generated so much ill-will in Olympia, but if Benton resigned there would be a special election in the 17th to replace him. More fun and games in everyone's favorite Clark County legislative district!