YAKIMA, Wash. — A member of Governor-elect Jay Inslee’s transition team says he is ready to recommend that Dan Newhouse, current director of the state Agriculture Department, be among those considered for the same post in the Inslee administration.
Mike Gempler, executive director of the Washington Growers League in Yakima, told the Capital Press that Newhouse has developed a good reputation within the industry.
Newhouse, a Sunnyside farmer and former Republican state legislator, was appointed to the directorship by Gov. Chris Gregoire in February 2009.
Both Gregoire and Inslee are Democrats.
The Capital Press report indicates other candidates are expected to be considered for the post.