Public Affairs Videos

Washington State Debate Coalition hosts a debate between Lieutenant Governor candidates Marko Liias (D)and Denny Heck (D). The lieutenant governorship in Washington is a four-year term. As president of the state senate, the lt. governor sets the legislative agenda, deciding the priorities the senate will undertake in each session, including making the determination on which legislation advances to the Senate floor. Also, the lieutenant governor serves as the acting governor whenever the governor is out of the state, which is a frequent occurrence in modern politics. If the governor is unable to serve his term, the lt. governor rises to the office. Finally, under state law, the lieutenant governor chairs the Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCEDIR), a key committee that directs the state's economic priorities. The debate is moderated by Jessica Janner Castro (KING5), Michelle Esteban (KOMO), Scott Leadingham (NWPB), and Mike McClanahan (TVW).