The lone Republican

Anyone who doubts the continuing change in the makeup of the Legislature, especially in East King County, need only look at Republican state Rep. Fred Jarrett, moderate Republican from Mercer Island.

Jarrett is a survivor, an endangered species and the last Republican lawmaker serving on the shores of Lake Washington. For years, most lawmakers on the Eastside were Republicans; a mixture of Democrats and Republicans served northern lake communities. Even the reasonable state Sen. Dave Schmidt of Mill Creek was tossed out in the Democratic tide that washed over our state and the nation last week.

There is a message here. The rightist policies of the statewide party have been soundly rejected in Seattle's suburbs. Voter attitudes are becoming more like their big-city neighbors'.

Jarrett survived because voters know he is a thoughtful person who doesn't buy harsh partisanship of either party. Jarrett has been a smart voice on transportation and education and that is why he will continue to represent the 41st District.

Some districts along the lake are still officially swing districts. In a Democratic year like this, they swung wide. Republicans should think carefully about how they talk to these voters.