Panel’s Direction Left Intact

The vacancy at the helm of the House Law and Justice Committee left by Mike Padden’s departure will be filled by a philosophical twin: Rep. Larry Sheahan, R-Rosalia.

“We’re pretty close on most of the issues,” Sheahan said.

Padden has pushed hard for additional “get tough” on crime measures during his stint as chairman, including the Hard Time for Armed Crime initiative, as well as a proposal to end prisoner privileges such as cable TV and conjugal visits. He has also not been shy about taking on social issues, supporting bills that would make some abortions and divorces more difficult to obtain.

Sheahan has kept a lower profile, but said he wants to continue Padden’s anti-crime crusade and thinks of himself as “pro-life.”

Though he has served only two years in the House, that experience marks him as a veteran in the new GOP majority, which includes 30 brand new members. The 35-year-old bachelor already serves as assistant chairman of the House Republican caucus.

Sheahan said he looks forward to his new role as chairman of House Law and Justice, but notes that the timing is “a little awkward” since committee deadlines this week mean he will preside over few meetings this session.

Like Padden, Sheahan is an attorney, and runs a small legal practice with his father in Rosalia. He was born and raised in the rural community south of Spokane, where his family has lived for four generations.

Sheahan earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Washington State University and went to law school at Willamette University in Salem, Ore. He is former president of the Rosalia Chamber of Commerce and former board member of the Palouse Economic Development Council.