Originally published June 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 30, 2007 at 2:03 AM
Letter from Washington | Alicia Mundy
Dicks bares his teeth in fight over wolves
Nearly 70 years ago, a very tall and skinny James Stewart mesmerized America as an idealistic and impassioned lawmaker in the film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. "...
![]() |
Seattle Times Washington bureau
WASHINGTON — Nearly 70 years ago, a very tall and skinny James Stewart mesmerized America as an idealistic and impassioned lawmaker in the film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."
Late last Tuesday night, Norm Dicks challenged Stewart's portrayal with a dramatic performance in a House floor debate marked by references to lonely wolves, baby owls and Old Yeller. At issue was the House Interior appropriations bill, which Dicks, as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Committee, has been trying to pass.
Dicks, D-Bremerton, has waited 30 years to lead the charge for Interior funding for parks, forests and the preservation of his beloved marbled murrelet.
The fight has re-energized him. When he took the floor to lead the Democratic side of the debate that afternoon, Dicks gestured, waved his glasses and strutted as he orated, sporting a power tie (large white polka dots on black). He was ready for bear.
He got wolves, instead.
The bill's many earmarks include the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program to restore the wild wolves in the Southwest.
Stevan Pearce, R-N.M., proposed an amendment to eliminate funds for the wolves.
To make his case, he flashed a picture of a dead horse. The prized possession of an 8-year-old girl named Stacy, the horse was killed by wolves.
Pearce denounced the "feel-good feeling" among wolf supporters, saying he felt trapped in his house by wolves.
He raised the specter of wolf-borne rabies and told people to remember what happened to Old Yeller.
Dicks peered over his glasses.
"I rise in opposition to the amendment," he said.
![]()
Pearce requested that Dicks "yield" and give him more time to make his argument.
"I will not yield," said Dicks, adding, "The gentleman had his five minutes."
Pearce shot back, "I thank the gentleman, who has no wolves in his district."
"The most provocative sound to a wolf is a crying baby or a laughing baby," Pearce said. Then he warned that wolves would snatch babies from their cradles.
"Their blood will be on your hands, my friend," Pearce said.
Dicks jumped.
He demanded that Pearce retract his words or be reprimanded by the House speaker.
Pearce withdrew his statement, and his amendment failed 172-258.
An hour later, Dicks fended off attacks on his own earmark, $150,000 for restoration of the Bremerton Library, which was built during Franklin Roosevelt's administration.
Republicans howled wolfishly and tried to block the money. Dicks defended the library, extolling its rotunda and art deco color, "a vibrant yellow."
Then he smacked down his detractors, noting that the Republicans OK'd 13,000 earmarks in 2006, so they could accept this one.
The library funding prevailed 333-98.
The fight over the bill didn't end until 6 p.m. the next day. Dicks got it passed, 272-155.
Letter from Washington is an examination of the culture of politics and power in the nation's capital. Alicia Mundy can be reached at 202-622-7457 or at amundy@seattletimes.com.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
Danny Westneat: Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
Parents want answers on new Seattle school boundaries
3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- U.S. House passes health plan
356 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
337 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
246 - Decision day for health care in the House
210 - Grading the game
158 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
157 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
80 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
79 - Game thread: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 8
74 - Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs
66
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- How do innovators think?
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor






