Breaking news this afternoon from the heart of the Inland Empire: John Driscoll, the Democratic challenger in the 6th Legislative District, has prevailed over incumbent Republican John Ahern, a just completed recount shows. Here's the official announcement from the Auditor:The Spokane County Elections Department has completed the mandatory hand recount of ballots in the 6th Legislative District race between John Driscoll and John Ahern.The total number of ballots counted, 75,947, was the same as in ...

tags: spokane county elections, county elections department, county elections office, washington secretary of state, republican incumbents, pat lantz, house democratic caucus, john driscoll, incumbent republican, democratic challenger, john ahern, representative don, inland empire, legislative district, republican party, vote count, open seat, seal the deal, challengers, ballots

The New Century Theatre Co.'s production of Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine at ACT Theatre runs Thurs. through Sunday at 8 p.m. until Saturday, Dec. 13. Tickets are $25, $20 under 25. Available online. So much good stuff has already been said about NCTC's production of The Adding Machine that it almost feels redundant to add anything. But seriously, you need to go see this play: It's rare that we leave a play so blown away ...

tags: new century theatre, white films, elmer rice, adding machine, american stage, psychological state, theatre co, nthe, nctc, expressionism, costumers, nso, expressionist, pastiche, monotony, modernity, realism, new opportunities, blown away, aesthetics

This afternoon, the Northwest Progressive Institute team sent the following letter to Governor Chris Gregoire, urging that repeal of unneeded tax exemptions be a key part of the budget proposal for 2009-2010.Dear Governor Gregoire:The projected budget deficit that our state must grapple with in the upcoming legislative session represents one of the toughest challenges that Washington has ever faced. State revenue is declining, leaving fewer dollars available to fund basic public services, and strengthening calls ...

tags: governor chris gregoire, governor gregoire, tax loopholes, budget proposal, budget deficit, biennium, deep cuts, financial trouble, tax exemptions, state revenue, economic times, community safety, precious metal, bullion, government programs, state of washington, legislative session, recession, environmental protection, billions of dollars