Sen. Murray Hires Judy Olson As Director Of Spokane Office

Palouse-area farmer Judy Olson fell short in her effort to oust Republican George Nethercutt from the House of Representatives last fall.

Now she’s going to work for the U.S. Senate.

Olson was named Friday as the Eastern Washington director for Patty Murray, running the Democratic senator’s office in Spokane. She’ll also travel extensively throughout the area east of the Cascades to talk with residents and business owners about federal issues.

Murray campaigned frequently for Olson last fall in her unsuccessful bid for Congress, and developed a respect for her knowledge of Eastern Washington issues, a spokesman said.

Olson, who farms with her husband and three sons near Garfield, said she looked forward to working on issues such as agriculture, natural resources and trade that are important to the region.

She will fill the position formerly held by Patrick Ormsby, who died of cancer earlier this year.

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