Gregoire: Let's gauge support for Sonics bill

OLYMPIA — Gov. Christine Gregoire on Saturday asked legislative leaders to get a better sense of how much support there is in the House and Senate for the Sonics' proposed $500 million taxpayer-subsidized arena in Renton.

They agreed to meet again Monday to decide whether to move forward on the proposal, but it was unclear whether that is a firm deadline for the Sonics.

The governor apparently gave no clear indication of where she stands on the proposal, let alone whether she is willing to help push for it.

"She's waiting to hear back from the caucuses," said Holly Armstrong, the governor's spokeswoman. Armstrong said it would be "premature" for the governor to take a firm stand.

While it appears there is a fair amount of support in the Senate, leaders from both House caucuses said support is very thin among their members.

House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, said it would be a "real stretch" for the Sonics to find enough votes in the House before lawmakers adjourn next weekend.

Gregoire met privately for about an hour with leaders from all four legislative caucuses — the first such meeting this year on the highly controversial proposal.

"We had a good meeting, and we're going to talk more," said Senate Ways & Means Chairwoman Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, the Sonics' biggest legislative ally.

"We'll see what happens Monday," Kessler said. "See who can make the case."

The Sonics are pushing a bill that would give King County the authority to devote up to $300 million in local hotel, restaurant and car-rental taxes to help pay for the arena.

It would also divert a portion of state sale taxes collected in King County, which could use the money to fund arts organizations and cover future renovations or upgrades to Safeco and Qwest fields.

Prentice pushed the legislation (Senate Bill 5986) through her committee on Friday, and then requested the meeting with Gregoire.

It's been clear for months that the House is the Sonics' biggest obstacle. House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, has been openly hostile toward the proposal and has repeatedly said that it is not on his list of priorities.

"At the end of the day, it's up to Frank whether to bring it up for a vote," said Deputy House Minority Leader Doug Erickson, R-Bellingham.

But Kessler, who took Chopp's place at Saturday's meeting, said it wouldn't be fair to "hang this on Frank."

Kessler said she thinks Chopp would be willing to allow a vote on the Sonics' proposal if it had enough support.

"Our members have been just flat on this," Kessler said.

Senate leaders, meanwhile, say they probably would not bring it up for a vote unless the House agrees to as well.

Ralph Thomas: 360-943-9882 or rthomas@seattletimes.com