That's a good question, especially if you're a reporter covering the state Legislature. Because he almost never talks to us.

Chopp is the speaker of the House of Representatives and one of the most powerful politicians in the state, second perhaps only to the governor. He has the power to kill legislation and, in many cases, revive it from the dead.

And for some reason he avoids reporters like the plague. The Legislature has been in session 67 days now and Chopp has allowed the Olympia press corps into his office three times. Phone interviews are equally rare.

There were rumors he'd meet with reporters this week. But as usual it was canceled. He's too busy, his staff said.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, and Gov. Chris Gregoire usually make time to talk publicly about what they're doing.

Brown has had 10 news conferences this session. She also returns phone calls, does one-on-one interviews and frequently will stop to talk in the hallway.

Gregoire has had more than two dozen news conferences and telephone conference calls with reporters in Olympia and Seattle and even out of state. She'll stop and talk if you see her, and is often available for telephone interviews.

There are a lot of questions reporters would like to ask Chopp as the session nears the final stretch:

• Will he oppose efforts to replace the Alaskan Way viaduct with a tunnel?


• Does he think the state should toll both the Highway 520 and the Interstate 90 bridges over Lake Washington to help pay for a new 520 bridge?


• What are his thoughts on how the state should deal with a $9 billion budget shortfall?


• Will he support efforts to send voters a tax package to help buy back state services lawmakers plan to cut?

Complaining that Chopp never talks to reporters runs a risk, of course.

Like he might not talk to us.