About
Hi, I am Former Washington State Representative Rob Chase.
In 2021 Representative Bob MCaslin and myself introduced House Bill 1239 to form a new State of East Washington. This can be accomplished by following Article 4 Section 3 of the United States Constitution. It is not easy to do, but it can be done. As we go down this road we may discover other remedies. The issue at hand is representation for East Washington residents which goes to the heart of the American ideal of self government and local representation.
I did not return to the Legislature this year but the need for a new state is gaining importance as we find ourselves dominated by the values of the majority of voters in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. The fact that the west side doesn’t want us doing this is probably a good enough reason to try.
It is my intention to bring this effort forward to a vote of the residents of East Washington to see if we are ready for a New State or not. If so, then we can continue the battle for separation from Western Washington, if not, then we will continue to try and represent you from Olympia.
If you agree with me that we need a new state then please make a donation on this website to allow us to organize Chapters in other Counties, educate voters, and lobby at the State and Federal Levels to make this happen.
This is not easy to do but what are the consequences if we don’t even try? I believe there is a good chance the stars will line up and we will have another star on Old Glory.
You Will Be Heard
The majority of the population is concentrated in three west side counties. King (2,269,675), Pierce (921,130), and Snohomish (827,957) equaling 4,018, 762 compared to WA population of 7.7 million.
Regardless of your age, religion, political ideology or background, East Washington is for you to be heard.
The Imbalance is Shown
By looking at both the legislative and congressional maps, we can see how the Western half of Washington has more political power than the East Half. When new bills are proposed, the western half of the state outvote the eastern half.
What About The Greater Idaho Movement?
The Greater Idaho movement could be a solution but I think it would be best to form a new state of East Washington for now. As we progress we may discover other remedies we are not aware of now. Besides, I don’t think Idaho wants us. They already have Ada County with Demographics similar to Spokane County in Washington.
I believe if East Washington were to become a state then North Idaho would consider joining us as East Oregon would join South Idaho. A person living in Cle Elum, WA would have more in common with a person living in Mullan, ID than he would have with a person in Issaquah just over Snoqualmie Pass.
There may be some counties on the west side of Washington State that may elect to join us which could be done as long as we are contiguous. The key here is that representation is endemic to the American condition as it was in 1776.
From the Washington State Constitution
ARTICLE 1 SECTION 1
“All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.”
Unless we have a new state, we have no power.