That is, if the head of REI is confirmed by the Senate (her first hearing was today).

But Sally Jewell, one of 10 appointed regents who govern the state’s largest university, has let Gov. Jay Inslee know that she will resign from the board once she take over the Department of Interior.

“We expect her to resign once she is confirmed,” said Inslee press secretary David Postman. “It is her plan and desire to do so.”

That will give the governor his first chance to make an appointment to what is one of the plum posts for those who …

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FWIW, a D.C. colleague pointed out this story last month, when rumors were swirling that former Gov. Chris Gregoire was in line for Interior Secretary.

Renovations to the secretary’s bathroom totaling $222,000, completed in 2007 when Dirk Kempthorne held the office, included custom cabinetry, a pricey faucet, a sub-zero refrigerator and a “vintage tissue holder.” Photos of the renovations just surfaced last month in response to an old Freedom of Information Act request filed by a TV station.

The spoils now go to Sally Jewell, the CEO of REI who President Obama announced today is his pick for the …

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Here’s the statement issued by Sen. Patty Murray’s D.C. office on the expected appointment.

Murray Applauds Nomination of Sally Jewell as Secretary of the Interior
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on President Obama’s nomination of Sally Jewell as the next Secretary of the Interior.

“President Obama has chosen an accomplished leader as the next Secretary of Interior. I have enjoyed a strong working relationship with Sally Jewell, who has proven to be an effective CEO in the business community, and will bring that skill set to the Cabinet,” said Senator Murray. …

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