Governing the Evergreen State

In Washington State, political mavericks often rule. Split tickets are a source of pride and independent voters outnumber Democrats and Republicans. An open primary election system and voter registration process demonstrate the state has never drifted far from its populist roots. Governing the Evergreen State provides an absorbing look at an ever-evolving state political and judicial system and presents intriguing case studies. This updated volume includes chapters on interest groups, the constitution, the environment, media coverage, the court system, the legislature, political parties, changing demographics, and more. Fresh discussions and analysis from legislators and academics across the state offer a springboard for further examination and discussion.

Washington State is a place of political mavericks. Split tickets are a source of pride and independent voters outnumber Democrats and Republicans. Washington was first to have a voter-approved state Equal Rights Amendment, first to elect a woman as governor, and first to elect a Chinese-American to the position. Today, Washington’s open primary election system and voter registration process demonstrate it has not drifted far from its populist roots.

Governing the Evergreen State provides an absorbing look at an ever-evolving state political and judicial system and presents intriguing case studies. With chapters on interest groups, the constitution, the environment, media coverage, the court system, the legislature, political parties, changing demographics, and more, this volume updates the popular Governing Washington. Fresh discussions and analysis written by academics from universities across the state, a senator, a pollster, a newspaper reporter/blogger, a former chief justice of the state Supreme Court, and a court administrator offer a springboard for further examination and discussion.

Table of Contents

Foley Institute Sponsorship

Foreword
Sam Reed

Section I: Political Setting and Behavior

Chapter 1
Two Washingtons? Political Culture in the Evergreen State
Nicholas P. Lovrich, John C. Pierce, and H. Stuart Elway

Chapter 2
Elections in Washington
Todd Donovan

Chapter 3
Political Parties in the Evergreen State
Kevin Pirch

Chapter 4
Interest Groups in Washington
Clive S. Thomas and Richard Elgar

Chapter 5
Progressive Federalism: Washington State as a Protector of Civil Rights Progress?
Maria Chávez and Robin Jacobson

Chapter 6
The Washington Press and Politics: News Coverage in Changing Times
Sanne A. M. Rijkhoff and Jim Camden

Section II: Government Institutions

Chapter 7
Washington’s Constitution: The Politics of State Constitutional Interpretation
Cornell W. Clayton and Gerry Alexander

Chapter 8
Governing the Evergreen State: The State Legislature
Hans Zeiger and Sara Singleton

Chapter 9
The Governor and Other Statewide Executives
Carolyn N. Long and David Ammons

Chapter 10
Courts and the Judicial System
Michael F. Salamone and Carl McCurley

Chapter 11
Continuity and Change in Public Policy in Washington State
Steven D. Stehr, Season A. Hoard, and Christina M. Sanders

Chapter 12
Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in the Evergreen State
Ed Weber and Ellen Rogers

Contributors