Shortly after the murder of 13 year-old Alicia Nipp in Hazel Dell, Washington State Republican Senator Don Benton tried once again to get stronger sentencing for sex predators in Washington State.

Benton said,

“Clark County is up in arms about this. All of us representing Clark County are receiving e-mails asking what can be done. It is just horrific.”

“Ladies and gentlemen I ask you to join me today to send a strong message to these heinous criminals, these horrific predators that prey on our children and our communities that Washington state will not be a haven for this kind of activity.”

He tried to attach an amendment to a bill and was met with resistance from Senator Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, upheld by fellow Democrats and Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen.

Listen to Senator Benton’s own words in a March 5, 2009 interview conducted by Erich Ebel of the Senate Republican Caucus at Benton amendment would enact ‘Jessica’s Law’ bottom right of page.

You can also read Senator Benton’s press release for more information.

I am left speechless that Washington State Democrats have such little regard for the safety of our children that they continually fight and oppose efforts to protect our children from these predators who are allowed to freely walk our streets with minimal supervision.