David Buri |
And the steady stream of legislative departures in Washington and Oregon continues, with the coming resignation of Washinton Representative David Buri, R-Colfax. He will be director of governmental relations (i.e., lobbyist) for Eastern Washington University. (Buri's geographically large district also includes another, larger, university - Washington State University at Pullman.)
Richard Roesler of the Spokane Spokesman-Review points out on his blog that "Buri's departure leaves a leadership hole for House Republicans. Elected just in 2004, the former legislative assistant quickly proved that he knew his way around, rising to minority floor leader this year. In that job, Buri was essentially the air-traffic-controller for Republican debate on the House floor, working closely with House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, as well as Republican leadership."
Republicans at least shouldn't have much trouble retaining his House seat; aside from Pullman and a handful of precincts in Asotin, this district is solidly Republican. Buri was unopposed last year, and in 2004 won with 61.5%, and decisively in all six counties. The other Republican representatives here did about as well, chalking 61.4% in 2006 and 66.7% in 2004, each of them (Steve Hailey last year, Don Cox before him) clearing all six counties.