Bellevue attorney Randy Gordon named to state Senate

Bellevue attorney Randy Gordon officially found out he will be serving in the state Senate just 15 minutes before the Senate convened for its 2010 session.

"I'm excited and optimistic and I feel hopeful that I'll be able to help the state deal with the daunting challenges it faces in a way that will help the people," said Gordon, who plans to drive to Olympia later today.

Metropolitan King County Council members unanimously chose the 56-year-old among three candidates interviewed at a special session this morning. He will represent the 41st legislative district, which includes south Bellevue, Mercer Island and Newcastle, until a special election in November. Gordon said he has already filed to run in that election.

The seat opened last month after Fred Jarrett resigned to serve as King County deputy executive under new County Executive Dow Constantine.

"I am honored and pleased and burdened by the responsibility implied by your vote," Gordon told the council in a short speech. "You have given me one of the great opportunities of my life."

Gordon, an adjunct law professor at Seattle University, has served on county and state law boards. He ran against Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert in 2006, but withdrew his candidacy to support Democratic candidate Darcy Burner, who lost.

He became the favorite for the vacancy when the majority of Democratic Party district precinct-committee officers nominated him to fill the vacancy at the party's meeting last Tuesday.

Gordon received 54 of the precinct's 73 votes, while party activist Aaron Belenky received nine and former Greater Seattle Business Association Vice President George Pieper won eight. The county council chose between the three.

The new senator is scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday.

Brian Rosenthal: 206-464-2311 or brosenthal@seattletimes.com