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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Inslee, lawmakers all hail Hawkington

OLYMPIA – Which of the following did not happen at the Capitol on Friday? 

A. Seahawks jerseys replaced business attire in the Legislature.

B. “12” flags shared space with the Stars and Stripes on Senate desks.

C. Gov. Jay Inslee and Secretary of State Kim Wyman gathered with fans on the Capitol steps to chant “Seahawks” to the beat of a drum during an officially proclaimed “moment of loudness.”

D. The Senate asked Inslee to rename the state “Hawkington” for the weekend.

Trick question. All of that happened by noon Friday. State officials came down with a serious case of blue-and-green fever as the Super Bowl approached.

The normally staid dress code of the Legislature was relaxed to allow Seahawks jerseys, sweatshirts, caps and scarves. Some members who didn’t come with the proper attire felt the need to borrow from those with extra. In the Senate, where the 49 desks had American flags on one corner and blue-and-white “12” flags on the other, members approved a resolution honoring members of the National Guard for their service and another for the football team.

A resolution honoring the Seahawks was approved before last year’s Super Bowl game, and karma dictated another one be approved this year, lest there be a different result, said sponsor Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam.

The Seahawks have galvanized both sides of the state and both parties together, the resolution said. It also asked Inslee to rename the state Hawkington until 12:01 a.m. Monday. Not clear is whether the Senate would seek a permanent name change if the Seahawks win Sunday.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Wells, D-Seattle, spoke in favor of the resolution but chided longtime members who in 1998 voted against a bill for a new football stadium as late-comers to Seahawks fandom. “I’m not going to name names. But I have the recorded votes.”

A few minutes later, Inslee and Wyman gathered with scores of Seahawks faithful in all manner of attire, joining a prolonged “Sea-hawks, Sea-hawks, Sea-hawks” chant that filled the foggy Capitol surroundings. Inslee, who will travel today to Phoenix and attend Sunday’s game, led cheers with a megaphone, then waded into the crowd for high fives with fellow fans.