Seattle state Sen. Ed Murray shepherded a same-sex marriage law to a victory in the Legislature and then at the ballot, the culmination of his long and patient strategy to advance gay rights in Washington.

So what does he do for his next act?

Based on the R-74 victory celebration that erupted in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Tuesday night — which saw Murray and his partner climb to the roof of a car for a speech — it seems like Murray could be a strong contender for mayor of Seattle if he wants the job.

He says he hasn’t decided whether …

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A Senate committee is holding off for a couple of days on voting whether to legalize and license medical-marijuana dispensaries.

The Health Committee is considering a series of changes to SB 5073, including one that could provide some relief to state and local budgets: It would make sure patients pay sales tax when they buy pot.

That’s part of an amendment that committee Chairwoman Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, plans to offer that would also allow local governments to levy business taxes on producers and dispensaries.

“I’m just not in the mood this year to provide tax exemptions,” Keiser …

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