One state senate, two ledes

The Olympian

Senate Republicans were stunned Wednesday afternoon when majority Democrats ended the day’s debate rather than engage in a floor maneuver to bring back a controversial bill.

The Columbian

Senate Democratic leaders abruptly adjourned Wednesday afternoon rather than reconsider a measure that would allow school districts to pass levies by a simple majority at November general elections.

OK, I don't know who was being stunned and who was being abrupt, although The Columbian says Democratic state Senator Jim Hargrove "fumed" when complaining about Republican Joe Zarelli pulling a maneuver to reconsider simple majority. What we do know is that you can't trust Joe Zarelli: (From The Columbian:)

Zarelli has told The Columbian he would personally campaign for the bill if it contained the November date.

But, of course, he didn't do that. Frankly, I'm not sure what happened yesterday, although we do know that the House passed simple majority, and Democratic Sen. Lisa Brown, the majority leader, has promised that will be brought up. But Zarelli doesn't like that version, according to The Columbian article, partly because it removes the 40 percent turnout requirement.

Maybe senate Democrats should have made the Republicans vote on it yesterday, but I can't say I blame them for essentially going "whatever." Allowing the people to decide once and for all if they wish to tax themselves for education using the same standard as virtually all other elections is an important goal, but it seems Zarelli and the GOP just can't stop playing stupid games. But please, Republicans, do tell us more about how we wish to "lower standards."

You know the old saying: money talks and Joe Zarelli can't be trusted, or so my great-grandfather told me.