Washington State Rep. Jim Moeller, a Democrat from Vancouver’s 49th Legislative District, was elected by his peers Thursday as House speaker pro-tem.
That will hand Moeller control of the House gavel during much of his fifth, two-year term that begins in January.
It also keeps him in the leadership circle of House Democrats.
Moeller replaces Rep. Jeff Morris of Anacortes, who made a run for House majority leader. That post goes to Rep. Pat Sullivan of Covington.
Moeller beat out Rep. Larry Springer of Kirkland to advance from deputy speaker pro-tem.
He follows the path of local legislators Val Ogden, a Vancouver Democrat, and John Pennington, a Republican from near Kalama, who held the pro-tem position a decade ago. They even shared it for two years when the House was evenly split.
“I’ve very honored,” Moeller said on Thursday.
His and other House Democrats’ committee roles have not been finalized, following two days of meetings during “committee week” in Olympia.
Priority went to forging a budget-trimming plan expected to be adopted at this weekend’s special session. Moeller actually should wield the gavel immediately, due to Morris’ expected absence, he said.
“We will have an agreement and we will move forward in a bipartisan manner,” Moeller said. “Without Republican assistance, this doesn’t happen.”
Veteran Speaker Frank Chopp of Seattle maintained his seat. Rep. Eric Pettigrew of Seattle was elected caucus chairman; Rep. Kevin Van De Wege of Sequim, majority whip; and Rep. Tami Green of Lakewood, floor leader.
House Democrats have yet to choose a new Ways and Means Committee leader to replace outgoing Rep. Kelli Linville of Bellingham. The former chairwoman lost her re-election bid.
