Three local legislators named to state leadership positions

Three legislators from Central Washington on Thursday were elected to leadership positions in the state House and Senate Republican caucuses.

In the House, 15th District Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, will serve as whip and 13th District Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, will serve as assistant floor leader for Republicans.

In the Senate, 15th District Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, will serve as deputy floor leader.

As House Republican whip, Hinkle will serve as sergeant-at-arms, maintain decorum during caucus meetings and ensure caucus activities are carried out in orderly fashion.

He also will work with Warnick and state Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches, who was reelected as assistant floor leader, on Republican leadership and caucus activities.

From the 15th District, Rep. Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside was also reelected as Republican floor leader, which means he'll have an important role in determining GOP strategy on legislation and negotiations with the Democratic majority.

Rep. Richard DeBolt of Chehalis was re-elected House Republican Leader, the highest ranking position for the minority party. His responsibilities include overseeing the leadership team, setting legislative priorities, policy development, and working directly with the governor and other state government leaders.