"As many as three-quarters" of WA House Republicans "now
oppose" WA Gov. Mike Lowry's plan to finance a new stadium for
the Mariners and Kingdome renovations, according to this
morning's SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER. Michael Paulson reports
one House Republican leader said Wednesday that only a quarter to
a third of the Republican-controlled body "are prepared to vote"
for the proposal, which would use state money from expanded
lottery games, special license plate sales and existing taxes to
pay its share of the $515M price tag for the facility
construction and improvements. King County's share would be
financed through tax increases in car rentals, restaurants and
sports tickets. The plan was made public yesterday by King
County Exec Gary Locke. While Lowry's plan has the support of
top Republicans, Speaker Clyde Ballard and Senate Minority Leader
Dan McDonald, "the debate clearly has partisan overtones." Lowry
last night called a special session to discuss the plan and is
"still optimistic" some form of financing will pass. The
Democrat-controlled Senate is thought to have the votes. Under
the plan, the Mariners would contribute $45M, with the state and
county splitting the remaining $255M (SEATTLE POST-
INTELLIGENCER, 10/12).
