Gains by Republicans mean there is going to be a new look legislature in Washington state.

From SeattlePI:

Republican gains, Democratic leadership shake-ups and a conservative fiscal mandate from voters will shape the way Washington’s new-look Legislature deals with its most significant budget deficit yet.

That work could start early next month with a possible special legislative session to rebalance the current budget. Another round of diminished tax forecasts has plunged the state’s books back into the red, and Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire appears to be nearly out of options for fixing things within her limited authority.

January’s regularly scheduled 105-day session also provides no respite, with lawmakers staring at an estimated $5.7 billion deficit in the roughly $33 billion two-year general fund.

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