Sheahan Named To State Senate He Will Replace Eugene Prince; Don Cox Picked For House Seat

Tue., Jan. 26, 1999

By Andrea Vogt andreav@spokesman.com

Commissioners from four Eastern Washington counties appointed Rep. Larry Sheahan of Spokane to the region’s vacant Senate position Monday.

Sheahan, who will replace resigning Thornton Republican Sen. Eugene Prince, beat state Rep. Mark Schoesler in a 7-4 vote by a dozen county commissioners from Whitman, Asotin, Adams and Spokane counties.

Commissioners also chose former Colfax school superintendent Don Cox of Colfax to fill Sheahan’s House seat. The two men are expected to be sworn in this week.

In both cases, commissioners disregarded ranking by precinct committee officers in a close vote Jan. 16.

Sheahan, who lives in south Spokane but is a Whitman County native, benefited from a more strategic geographical location.

First-ranked Ritzville farmer Mark Schoesler received all three Adams County votes and one Asotin County vote. Sheahan received all three Spokane County votes, two Asotin County votes and two Whitman County votes. Oakesdale farmer Jack Silzel received one vote from Whitman County Commissioner Les Wigen.

Both Sheahan and Schoesler won election to the House in 1992 and have worked hand-in-hand since. But their political unity was split in recent weeks after being unexpectedly vaulted into a tight Republican horse race.

“Mark Schoesler is a good friend,” said Sheahan after the tense vote. “This has been a very emotional, difficult few weeks.”

Before the vote, both pledged that no matter who won, the other would not run against him for the Senate seat in the future.

“My word is my bond on that issue,” said Schoesler about the promise. “I’m disappointed, but there’s no guarantees out there.”

Sheahan convinced commissioners he would have the most Senate influence because of his working relationship with the body as co-chairman of the House Law and Justice Committee.

Several commissioners wanted to maintain Schoesler’s leadership as whip. Schoesler said he’s looking forward to working with Cox, his new House colleague.

Cox, 59, said he was surprised to get the appointment after deciding late to enter the race. His decision was sparked by frustration with politics nationally and the feeling that children need better role models in government, he said.

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