Callaghan writes, "she was usually the smartest person in the room, and not just because she holds a doctoral degree in economics and has taught at both Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga. Brown brings a depth and breadth of knowledge that is uncommon in a place where many lawmakers stay on the surface of subject matter."  

The AP reports, "Gov. Chris Gregoire challenged her future successor Wednesday to pursue new revenue in support of education, saying that she wished the state had committed more money to that this year."  

The News Tribune reports, "The Costco-backed measure passed in November, locking in a guaranteed extra $10 million for local governments, but state lawmakers cut a different $10 million from cities’ and counties’ liquor haul." 

Despite being reassigned, many state employees get salaries higher than their set pay scale.