Senator Ericksen fires back at critics of his dueling roles

State Senator Doug Ericksen is defending his decision to keep his job in Olympia while he works for President Donald Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C.

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Some lawmakers have criticized the state senator, saying his time in D.C. is slowing things down in the local legislature.

But Ericksen has a theory about those complaints.

“Some people here in Olympia tried to raise concerns,” he said. “I think those people are doing it for partisan reasons. As we saw last night on the Senate floor, we were able to pass landmark education reform and funding legislation.”

He says his constituents have given their full support.

Ericksen in Washington

The senator’s absence has led to canceled meetings of the Senate Energy Environment and Telecommunications Committee, which he serves as chairman.

On Wednesday, he had to cancel a news conference he scheduled in Olympia to discuss how he’s handling the two roles, the Associated Press reports.

He has stressed his EPA post is just a temporary gig. But should be offered a full-time spot at the agency, he would immediately resign his Senate seat, he says.

If Ericksen quits, it would leave the state Senate temporarily in a tie — a Republican-led caucus now holds a 25-24 majority, the Associated Press reports.

Ericksen and Sen. Don Benton of Vancouver were among 10 officials who joined the EPA as a part of a transition effort within the Trump administration. Benton and Ericksen have backed Trump from early on.

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