A proposal by state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon would eliminate an out-of-date state law outlawing "subversive" (i.e. Communist) activities and requiring all state officials to take an oath of loyalty to the US government. Although a 1964 US Supreme Court ruling found such laws unconstitutional, Washington State's sedition law has been on the books since 1951. "It's on the books even though we know it's unconstitutional," Fitzgibbon says.

All the Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee who were present voted against the bill, including: Matt Shea (R-4),Brad Klippert (R-8), Terry Nealey (R-16), and Ann Rivers (R-18).

"I find it pretty interesting that a party ostensibly devoted to constitutional liberties would stand up for a law that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional 50 years ago," Fitzgibbon says. Fitzgibbon was the only person to testify on the legislation.