Tim Sheldon - Party Ties

Party Ties

Sheldon has earned the reputation of being a maverick by consistently bucking his party's agenda and by working across the aisle to get legislation passed. He made himself unpopular with the Democratic Caucus by taking a strong stance against funding the Mariners and Seahawks sports stadiums with State monies, calling the proposed legislation "corporate welfare." He also voted against budgets that he felt did more harm than good to his mostly rural constituents, even when his party supported them. He has been accused of being a moderate and termed a "Republican in sheep's clothing" or a "maverick" due to his erratic voting history. He voted for Republican George W. Bush in 2004 and then Democratic candidate Barack Obama in 2008. He was one of three Democratic state senators to vote against the gay-marriage bill. After the 2012 state legislature elections, he and Senator Rodney Tom joined the Republicans in a "Majority Coalition Caucus," resulting in a power sharing agreement, effectively giving the two Democrats control of the state senate along with 23 Republicans. The Caucus chairs the most powerful committees (such as ways and means, commerce and labor, and K-12 education, among others) for the 2013-14 session, and a few committees, such a Transportation, chare a truly bipartisan co-chair with the Democratic Caucus. Sheldon is currently President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and was elected by both Democrats and Republicans.

Sheldon is acting President of the Senate when the Lt. Governor is not available, or when he or she is acting Governor. He is also serving on the Energy Environment & Telecommunications, Rules and Transportation Committees.