James Pharris, Washington deputy solicitor general, is the new general counsel for the Office of Secretary of State. He'll see some familiar faces when he comes around: His daughter, Ingrid, a graduate of St. Olaf College, is Secretary Reed's executive assistant, and his son, Nick, a Michigan PhD in linguistics, is with the agency's redistricting program. Jim Pharris, known both for his legal acumen and his musical talent, succeeds Jeff Even, who has advised the office for 17 years and was named counsel by then-Attorney General Christine Gregoire. Even will become Opinions Chief for Attorney General Rob McKenna and says he hopes it will finally allow him to win family disagreements. In a recent letter, Even says:

"I've defended the initiative and referendum processes, handled recalls, litigated the construction of two major league sports stadiums, lost term limits, won the Top 2 Primary (in the U.S. Supreme Court), and written more ballot titles than you could shake a stick at. I've even litigated the location of the Canadian border (oops, it was right where we left it, all along). Oh, and there was a small trial in Wenatchee" that finally settled the 2004 governor's race.

"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."