Small, albeit impactful wins

Let me begin with some political realities about your state Legislature.

Republicans, and I am one, are in the minority. The Senate Republican Caucus, of which I am the chairwoman, has 20 members. Our Democratic colleagues have a 9-vote majority in the state Senate, which makes our jobs representing rural values and needs a challenge.

Most Senate majority members are from King County and Seattle. So, their world view is different.

I do my best to communicate the very real concerns of my constituents in the 13th District and they're simple. We want less government intrusion in our lives, reason...