The Democratic majority in Olympia should make them the 900 pound gorilla.

Instead, they're acting like a cuddly little group of gerbils.

Liz Rocca of KOMO 4 News recently uncovered how badly the state Department of Corrections is handling dangerous felons after those criminals are released from prison. (See our story here)

It works like this: Some convicted felons are released from prison early under certain conditions. If they screw up, they're supposed to go back behind bars.

I say "supposed to" because, as Rocca's report noted, the DOC didn't do squat when felon after felon violated those conditions.

The most glaring evidence of that? Three dead police officers who would still be alive if the DOC had done its job.

Up step Republican lawmakers in the State House.

They've proposed a series of bills to toughen things up and hold the DOC more accountable for keeping bad guys off the street.

The problem is, not only are the Democrats not signing on to those bills, they're not doing nearly enough to help them move forward.

Look, I'm only guessing here, but I think people want more from a legislature overrun with Democrats.

I think people expect more. I think they want the gorilla, not the gerbil.

As a Democrat, I'm embarrassed.

Have something to say to Ken? E-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

It's a lively exchange of information, insight and perspective with two guys who don't agree on much, but still manage to enjoy each other as they tackle issues of the day. Even better, callers are invited in on the verbal action.