Just check out these three snippets of press releases from the past week:

State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (Dem.):

“While I respect the wisdom and experience of the plurality, in this matter I believe they are misguided,” Kohl-Welles said. “Those who have served their sentences and followed the process to have their voting rights restored should not be denied this fundamental right over unmet financial obligations. It is not good public policy to deny the right to vote to anyone based upon monetary circumstances, while those who have the financial means can get their voting rights restored.”

State Senator Lisa Brown (Majority Senate Leader, Dem.):

“The Senate will conduct hearings during assembly days in September and use the information we receive from law enforcement, prosecutors, victims and their families to craft a reasoned package of legislation. “It is not in the best interest of the public to rush to solutions that sound appealing but may have unintended consequences.”

Republican State Represenatives Skip Priest and Richard Debolt:

The public safety forum will be hosted by State Rep. Skip Priest, R-Federal Way, and include other state officials, criminal justice experts, and concerned citizens. “Our state has some effective sex offender laws on the books – but others are outdated and incapable of properly protecting the public. Our goal is to identify weak laws, discuss them with the public, and collectively propose solutions,” said Priest. “There are thirteen known registered sex offenders living within five miles of where the news conference will be held – which is a public park. In King County, there are more than 400 sex offenders with no known address. This problem is everywhere and the time to act is now – not later. The forum will help all of us gauge where the public stands and take action accordingly.” House Republicans are calling for a special legislative session during already-scheduled Interim Assembly Days in the Washington State Legislature, Sept. 27 and 28. “It’s clear that certain sex offenders are falling though the cracks of our system and the public wants answers and solutions – not excuses. People are demanding action now – and they deserve nothing less. That’s why we are creating a legislative package that we think the public will support,” said House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt. “Public safety is an immediate and vital responsibility of state government. We hope Democrats will not only be receptive to our ideas, but also put forth some reforms of their own. We look forward to that process.”

While Senate Democrats want to make it easier for felons to vote and don't want to make the Interim Assembly Days full legislative sessions… House Republicans are demanding 'action this day' - as Sir Winston Churchill would say - on sex offenders. BIG difference. Remember this when you vote… or as I like to say: "Vote Republican… your liberty depends on it!"