On-The-Job Training First-Term Legislators Take Look Back At Session

Jeff Gombosky has a lot working against him.

At 25, he is the youngest member of the state Legislature.

Being a member of the minority party, the Spokane Democrat hasn’t had much power to wield, either.

And Gombosky carries all the baggage that comes with the label “freshman.”

“I’m still trying to figure out where all the bathrooms are here,” Gombosky joked last week. “I’m still trying to convince people I’m not a page.”

The nearly finished legislative session was on-the-job training for Gombosky and his fellow freshmen, including Democrat Alex Wood and Republican Brad Benson of Spokane, and Republican Bob Sump of Republic.

“It’s 10 times more complicated than even I thought it would be,” said Wood, a former radio talk show host who used to warn his listeners about the inefficient lawmaking process in Olympia.

One of the biggest surprises to Wood has been the way floor debates become stage shows. Because legislative leaders don’t allow votes on bills that won’t pass, suspense is rare.

“It’s just so controlled on that floor,” Wood said. “You’re making speeches to reporters and to the cameras to the people back home, but you know darn well what the vote is going to be.”

Benson, who owns an ice cream parlor in Spokane, was surprised by the sheer volume of legislation. A former banker, Benson knows about money and financial issues. On agricultural issues, he followed the lead of his fellow Republicans.

“Here, everyone has 30 bills they follow and five they care about,” Benson said. “They expect you to be an expert on their bill.”

Wood hasn’t been able to review legislation as thoroughly as he planned.

“Some people told me not to vote for a bill unless you’ve read it,” Wood said. “That is just about impossible. With so much of this, you’ve got to trust other people and their word.”

Sump, a heavy-equipment mechanic, said he hasn’t gotten lost in the aura of the Capitol’s marble walls and fancy chandeliers. But that doesn’t mean the job hasn’t been emotional.

One of his most memorable votes was the one he cast against the Republican budget, saying it spent too much. The peer pressure that surrounded him made the decision difficult.

“I hadn’t really thought about the gauntlet of emotions you run,” he said.

Benson, too, hasn’t warmed to the political games, and it has had its consequences. After he offered sharp criticism of a banking bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dan McDonald, R-Bellevue, Benson’s bill to loosen teen work rules foundered in the Senate.

“I think that showed a little naivete,” Benson admitted.

What did he learn from the process?

“I don’t think I learned anything,” Benson said, laughing. “Sometimes you have to vote against what other people want you to vote for.”

Benson said he now makes his feelings clear on controversial bills early to avoid aggressive lobbying later.

Rep. Duane Sommers, R-Spokane, who campaigned with Benson last fall, called him a “fast study.”

“Freshmen sometimes stray a little bit because they don’t understand the process,” Sommers said. “I think he’s just exercising his own independent ideas.”

Despite his age, Gombosky may have been the best prepared to be a legislator. As an intern for former Democratic Sen. Ray Moore in 1994, Gombosky had seen the process first-hand.

In Olympia, he has become known for his ability to articulate complicated arguments, a talent he attributes to his experience as a member of debate teams in high school and college.

In some cases, Gombosky has made too many arguments too quickly, a habit he picked up in competitive debates. On more than one occasion, seatmate Helen Sommers, D-Seattle, has tugged on his sportcoat, urging him to slow down.

“He does talk very fast,” she said. “We tease him about slowing down.”

Sump, Wood and Gombosky all say they would like to pursue leadership positions in the future. Some in Olympia have Gombosky pegged as a rising star.

“I think he’s made a really good impression on people,” said Sen. Lisa Brown, D-Spokane. “Given his skills, he’s got great potential.”

Benson isn’t so sure about a future in leadership.

“I don’t want this to be about my personal power base,” he said. “If you are in leadership, they have something to take away from you.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo