Faulty Flange Link Eyed As Possible Cause Of Fire
A spokesman says a fire at BP's Cherry Point refinery might have been caused by a leaky flange connection.       However, BP spokesman Scott Dean said Monday the information filed with the Coast Guard's National Response Center is very preliminary and the cause remains under investigation.
      It remains unclear how long the refinery would be out of service as a result of the fire on Friday. The company is trying to supply customers from existing stocks or other sources.
      The refinery can process 230,000 barrels of crude oil a day. It produces 20 percent of Washington's gasoline and the majority of aviation fuel for the Vancouver, British Columbia, Sea-Tac and Portland airports.
      The dramatic blaze created towering flames and a thick plume of black smoke that was visible for miles. AP
  
Abortion Coverage Bill Advances In WA Senate
Lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would link requiring abortion coverage to maternity care.
     The measure was approved Monday by the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.
      According to the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner, all health insurance carriers in the state already have plans that cover abortion. However, while there is already a maternity mandate in state law, there is not a similar mandate for abortion.
      Supporters say the bill would ensure that existing abortion coverage will be preserved once federal health insurance rules come into effect in 2014 under national health care reform. Opponents counter that the measure may lead to more abortions and would prove expensive.
      The bill passed the House last week, and now awaits a vote on the Senate floor. AP
 
Josh Romney Visits Wash. In Advance Of Caucuses
One of Mitt Romney's sons is traveling through Washington state, hosting caucus training and meeting supporters in advance of the state's March 3 caucuses.
      Thirty-six-year-old Josh Romney was visiting Vancouver, Tacoma and Bellevue on Monday for caucus training, and stopped in Olympia to meet with some Republican lawmakers and supporters. Romney was set to head to Kennewick and Spokane on Tuesday.
      Romney says his dad, who is in a tough primary race with Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, is the best candidate to beat President Barack Obama.
      Mitt Romney is scheduled to visit the state on March 1, in advance of Washington state's nonbinding straw poll caucus. AP
 
Inslee To Raise Money At Los Angeles Fundraiser
 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Inslee is heading to Hollywood to raise money for his campaign.
      The fundraiser for Inslee, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, will take place next Monday night at the Los Angeles home of Len Unger, executive director of the American Jewish Committee.
      Seattlepi.com reported that California Democratic Rep. Henry Waxman is lead sponsor along with producers Jonas Goodman and Harvey Kahn. It costs $3,600 to be a host, $2,000 to co-host, $1,000 to be an event sponsor and $500 to be a "friend."
      Inslee has been trailing in the polls behind Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna.
      Both are vying to replace Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is not running for a third term.AP
   
WA Lawmaker Would Sell Off State Art Collection
Washington state Sen. Karen Keiser of Kent proposes selling off part of the state's art collection to help fund college student financial aid.
      The bill directs the state Arts Commission to choose which of the more than 4,000 pieces of the collection to sell to raise about $5 million every two years. Sixty percent of the money would go to the State Need Grant program and 40 percent would go back to the commission to repair and acquire art.
      Commission Executive Director Kris Tucker told the Daily Herald there are problems, including the cost of art auctions. He says the commission is in the business of protecting the state's cultural legacy not selling it.
      Keiser's bill has yet to have a hearing. AP
 
Motorcyclist Dies On Seattle Freeway Ramp
The Washington State Patrol says a motorcyclist who crashed off a freeway ramp in Seattle has died. Troopers say he was taking the southbound I-5 ramp to eastbound I-90 early today when he lost control, went over the barrier and fell as much as 100 feet to I-5 below. The 22-year-old Mercer Island man was unresponsive when he was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. VNC
 
Mother Found Dead In Home In Port Orchard
A 24-year-old Port Orchard mother has been found dead in her home. She was found by her sister on Sunday. The dead mother’s 3-year-old son was in the home as well but is OK. The sister said she went to the home on Sunday because she had tried contacting her for several days. She said she could hear her nephew inside and talked him getting a chair and unlocking the deadbolt. The boy was checked at a hospital and joined by his father who shares custody. The Kitsap County coroner is investigating the cause of death. VNC
 
Heck Kicks Off Campaign
Democrat Denny Heck has started what he calls a listening tour to kick off a run for Congress in the newly created 10th district. He started the tour in Shelton on Saturday at an event hosted by Democratic State Representative Kathy Haigh.  The event took place at the Shelton Civic Center. VNC

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