It’s helpful for a reporter to have a reputation for toughness. You know, someone willing to ask the hard questions, someone who strikes fear into the hearts of elected officials and bureaucrats everywhere.

So imagine my horror when I was outed this morning as the owner of a cat named Muffin.

In an article on the most popular pet names in Pierce County, reporters Jason Hagey and Ian Demsky report that "County Executive John Ladenburg has a dog named Muffin. In an eerie coincidence, the News Tribune reporter who covers county government has a cat named Muffin."

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Pierce County Councilman Dick Muri made it official Sunday: he’s running for re-election.

The Steilacoom Republican is seeking his second term on the council. Democrat Vincent Stewart has filed to run against Muri.

For Muri’s announcement, read on.

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If you’re confused about the state of the math WASL, you’re not alone.

The governor signed a law last week that drops the math portion of the WASL as a graduation requirement. In response to media coverage, the state school superintendent’s office sent an advisory Friday that attempts to clarify when various requirements kick in.

Here’s the advisory.

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I posted earlier about the training we went to this morning. I know you’re probably all getting ready to leave work, dying to know what we learned. Here goes.

Now, I can’t cover everything … but I can point you in the direction of some pretty fabulous Web sites for following campaign money:

1. Follow The Money

2. FedSpending

3. Taxpayers for Common Sense

4. USA Spending

5. Legistorm

Have fun! Tell us what you find.

Here’s what their offices sent out:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 26, 2008
27th District legislators hosting town halls April 7th and April 9th
OLYMPIA – The state legislative delegation from the 27th District will hold town halls Monday, April 7th and Wednesday, April 9th.

Sen. Debbie Regala, Reps. Jeannie Darneille and Dennis Flannigan will use the time to talk about issues affecting the area and welcome comments and questions from constituents.

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Next Saturday, bill signings will officially be over, and Gov. Chris Gregoire will be able to start raising money in earnest.

She’ll take a day of rest, then kick off a statewide bus tour on Monday. The tour starts in Auburn, then continues to Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Bremerton, Port Townsend, Everett and Seattle.

I’ll be there for the first portion of the trip, blogging along. Think of your questions now, people.

Update: The days of the week are now correct. Earlier, in a time warp, I had the wrong days of the

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We just got this news release from NARAL:

It is my pleasure to invite you to a press briefing on Tuesday, April 1. Elizabeth Arndorfer, Esq., a consultant to Reproductive Health Technologies Project, will present research and be available to answer questions about the latest research on choice from Lake Research Partners. The research details attitudes and perceptions about choice, including understanding Americans "in the middle" and racial and ethnic attitudinal differences on abortion. The study shows how different demographic groups think about choice and how politically involved they are.

NARAL Pro-Choice Washington will be using the information

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Gov. Chris Gregoire will have two bill-signing ceremonies on Monday, one at 11 a.m., another at 2 p.m.

Here’s the news release from her office:

To: Ladies and Gentlemen
From: Marty Brown, Legislative Director
Subject: Bill Action — March 31, 2008
Governor’s Conference Room
Governor Gregoire will take action on the following Senate Bills:
Commencing at 11:00 AM

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5831
Relating to certification of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors and mechanics.

Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5905
Relating to certificate of capital authorization.

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