The State of Jefferson Has Some Competition
Republican state senators in Washington are sponsoring legislation to split the state in twain and create a 51st state composed of the lands east of the Cascades. Restrictions placed on land-use and other regulations are at the heart of the debate, but the controversy surrounding the close gubernatorial race only amplified the division between east and west.
The legislation isn’t being seriously considered, but it provides legislators and opportunity to discuss the subject. Moreover, it would also take a vote by Congress to approve a new state.
