kerewin's whine cellar

But More Importantly

Yes we won back the House, yes the Republicans are in jeopardy in the Senate. For the first time in history we have a female Speaker of the House. Ridiculous land-use bill was defeated in Washington State. All great news.

However, the most important issue won in Seattle. Lap dances remain legal within the city limits.

With a no vote on Seattle Referendum 1, voters were firmly rejecting the city's "four-foot rule," which would have banned lap dances by requiring exotic dancers and customers to keep their distance.

The rule was part of a strict new strip-club ordinance approved by the Seattle City Council last year. The ordinance also would have banned direct tipping of dancers, forced clubs to install brighter lights and prohibited private dances some clubs offer in "VIP" rooms or booths.

Supporters of stricter rules, including Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, had argued that the laws would allow police to more easily inspect clubs and spot illegal activities. But the city produced little evidence to suggest that strip clubs cause significant crime problems.

So let's raise a glass now, because I am sure that Nancy Pelosi will stick her foot in it in the weeks to come, and the House will start a bunch of infighting and in 2 years the Dems will be asking how they lost that great momentum. But at least lap dancing is safe in Seattle.