Free Republic

Ellen Craswell, longtime politician and North Kitsap resident, passed away Saturday evening in the rehabilitation wing of Martha & Mary Health Care Center in Poulsbo, after losing her third battle with cancer. She was one month away from celebrating her 76th birthday. Craswell was born in Bothell on May 25, 1932. Best-known for her strong presence in the state Legislature, Craswell served two terms in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate, where she stayed for 12 years until her retirement in 1992. In 1987 she was the first woman in state history to be named president pro...

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Gary Locke and legislative Democrats proposed Wednesday that Washington adopt California's vehicle-emission standards, the toughest in the world. Locke, a two-term Democrat who leaves office in January, also announced a freeze on state government purchase of four-wheel-drive sports utility vehicles. The state motor pool will begin shifting to hybrid vehicles. The proposal to adopt California's auto standards, effective the 2009 model year, is the centerpiece of the lame-duck governor's package of bills to combat global warming.