Senate GOP looking for new leader

State Sen. Bill Finkbeiner on Tuesday said he is stepping down as Senate Republican leader after nearly two years in the job.

Finkbeiner, R-Kirkland, said the leadership post took too much time away from his family and his job as a property manager and land developer. Plus, he is attending the University of Washington this fall to earn a master's degree in business administration.

"I feel like I've put my time in and feel good about what I've been able to do," Finkbeiner said. "To do a good job trying to lead the caucus takes a lot more time."

He took over as the Senate GOP leader in December 2003, after former state Sen. Jim West resigned to become the mayor of Spokane. Finkbeiner was the Senate majority leader in 2004 and became the minority leader last session after Democrats regained control of the Senate.

Finkbeiner wouldn't speculate on who might replace him, saying the Senate Republicans have a "deep bench." A new leader could be picked next month.

The session last winter was particularly contentious, with votes on gay rights and the largest gas-tax increase in state history. During the session, Finkbeiner stuck with his caucus and voted against legislation that would have banned discrimination against gays and lesbians, even though he had supported such legislation twice before as a member of the House. His vote helped kill the measure by one vote.

He was one of a handful of Senate Republicans who voted for the record 9.5-cent gas-tax increase. The state Republican Party later endorsed Initiative 912, which would have repealed the tax. I-912 was rejected by state voters in November.

Finkbeiner said Tuesday that his decision to leave the leadership post had nothing to do with the past session.

Democrats were unsure what to make of the announcement. "I don't know if this is an ideological split in that caucus, or if he just doesn't want to do it anymore," said Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle.

Finkbeiner was elected to the House as a Democrat in 1992 and switched parties in 1994, when he won his Senate seat in the 45th District. He has said he plans to run for re-election.

His decision to resign as caucus leader comes only a few months after the House Republican caucus elected Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, as its new leader. He replaced Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger.

Staff reporter Ralph Thomas contributed to this report.

Andrew Garber: 360-236-8268 or agarber@seattletimes.com