Oregon Public Broadcasting

An ongoing dispute between two Republicans in the Washington State Senate has cost taxpayers $55,000 in legal fees.

That figure is contained in documents released Wednesday relating to a feud between Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt and Republican Senator Pam Roach. Austin Jenkins reports.

Usually Republicans square off against Democrats. But over the past year Washingtonís Senate Republican caucus has been the scene of internal turmoil.

Last April, a complaint was filed against Senator Roach alleging she verbally attacked a Senate attorney.

That same day, Roach filed a complaint against Senator Hewitt alleging a pattern of abusive behavior.

Her complaint was investigated at a cost of $32,000 and dismissed. She appealed but this week that appeal was turned down.

The complaint against Roach cost $23,000 to investigate and the allegations of harassment and discrimination were sustained.

Roach has now been voted out of the Republican caucus but still retains her committee assignments and is still an active, voting member of the State Senate.