Crouse Puts Another Feather In Political Cap

The Spokane Valley’s freshman state representative continues to accumulate power.

Larry Crouse, a first-term Republican, recently was elected vice chairman of the Eastern Washington legislative caucus.

“I look forward to working with the other caucus members to help pursue and protect Eastern Washington interests,” Crouse said in a press release.

Members of the bipartisan caucus, which is made up of the 33 state legislators from Eastern Washington, meet to discuss issues and form strategies for legislation they feel is important for their constituents.

“There are many issues that are important to Eastern Washington, such as agriculture, water rights, natural resources, jobs and transportation,” Crouse said in the release.

The group will meet every other week. Upcoming topics include water quality regulations and the future of the Bonneville Power Administration.

Sen. Bob Morton, R-Orient, will serve as chairman of the group.

Crouse’s election was the latest gain in his ascension to prominence in the new Republican majority in the state House of Representatives.

The laid-off Kaiser manager already has seats on the powerful appropriations and health care committees and serves as vice chairman on the energy and utilities committee.

Crouse was a political unknown until he defeated two-time incumbent Democrat George Orr in the November election.