OLYMPIA -- The end of the session -- or what was scheduled to be the end -- is a time when various "legislator of the year" awards are announced. But one that seems to have some currency in the halls of the Capitol went to Rep. Timm Ormsby.

Ormsby of Spokane was named to that honor by the House Democratic staff, making him the first Spokane area legislator to get the award.

It's such a big deal that his name goes on a placque in the Democratic caucus room. But it is a big deal among staff, one source said.

The deal is that only the Democratic legislative aides get a vote. And they can't vote for their own boss (otherwise we'd be looking at something like a 61-way tie.)

Staffers aren't even supposed to lobby for their own boss, the source said. Ormsby won this year because he's recognized as someone who generally cares about  his staff, doesn't waste people's time, and takes on the hard fights.

The source spoke on condition of not being identified. But no, it's not one of Ormsby's staff. (Stop being so cynical.)

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