Olympia Deadlock Over Washington's U.S. Senate Seat
Legislative gridlock and factional fighting in Washington State mirror national tensions as party leaders clash over the selection of a U.S. Senator.
The story, cleaned up
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Since the news arrived from North Dakota that the Republican legislature had elected a Democrat for United States senator, indignation has been aroused among prominent Republican politicians. This focus has turned the attention of everyone in Washington City to the senatorial fight in progress at Olympia. Fears are expressed that the stubbornness of the minority of the Republicans in the Washington state legislature may yet give the senatorship to the Democrats. Prominent leaders believe that the majority voting in the Republican caucus should be allowed to have its choice ratified by the legislature on a joint ballot. Senator Allen has held nearly the solid vote of the Republicans of the legislature for so long a period that he is entitled to an election. It seems unfair to him, and not good party action, to have delayed his election this long. The plotting to dismember the Allen forces by rushing a 'dark horse' at them has been renewed, with various names being proposed by those attempting to break the Allen strength.
“It is not only unfair to Mr. Allen that this deadlock should continue under these circumstances, but it would be unfair to any man in a like position.”
Political gridlock and the influence of internal party factions on governance are enduring features of American politics. The struggle to secure a legislative majority for a party nominee continues to be a central tension in the halls of power, both in Olympia and nationally.
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