Best of the Northwest (2/22/05)

Repub Bob Morton of Orient is tired of playing second fiddle in Washington state to the Puget Sound area. So, he’s pushing a resolution that would split Washington into two states, with the 20 counties east of the Cascades forming the 51st state. This one isn’t going anywhere. But it’s fun to think about. North Idaho has the same feeling about the Kingdom of Ada. And northern California would take its water and secede from southern California in a heart beat, if it could. You can read about Morton’s resolution here .

1. Congressman Tom Delay is the target of David Horsey /PI’s pen here .

2. The NCAA postseason basketball tournament is shaping up, and Gonzaga is another lock to go to the dance, with or without winning the WCC tourney, according to The Idaho Statesman, here .

3. The drag queens celebrate 10 years on the Palouse (beware: some racy content) here .

4. The Montana House of Reps killed a bill that would have protected gays here .

5. The IDEQ will ask BNSF to temporarily close the refueling depot today, according to Brian Walker /Coeur d’Alene Press, here .

6. IMHO-NW: Idaho Statesman ( Water rights deal ), Bill Virgin /PI ( Boeing scandals ), Dave McCumber /PI ( Hunter Thompson ), Gerard Jones /Oregonian ( Cheesy comic-book industry ), and Art Thiel /PI ( State of the Seahawks ).

*The Idaho Statesman provides the latest stories re: the Idaho Legislature here .

*A total of 40 eagles have been slaughtered for their talons and feathers in North Vancouver, BC, here .

*The Seattle Seahawks have signed QB Matt Hasselback to a long-term contract here .