State Representative Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) has announced that she is resigning her seat to join Governor Jay Inslee's Legislative Affairs and Policy Office as his Senior Education Policy Advisor.

"I've been honored to serve the people of the 41st District in South and East King County, and believe that my new position in the Governor's office will continue my work on their priorities for our state," Maxwell said in a prepared statement.

I like Maxwell, who has been a strong advocate for education while remaining outside the influence of the corporate reformers.

What this means for the legislature, well, the 41st is a swing district that leans Democratic, but is certainly up for grabs. So I'm guessing that House Speaker Frank Chopp would have preferred not to fight that battle.

As for who might be appointed to replace Maxwell, I've got absolutely no inside information, but I'd have to assume that my ex-wife, Maureen Judge, would be on the short list should she want the job. Maureen challenged incumbent Republican Steve Litzow for the 41st LD senate seat last year, so she has name ID in the district, and is well liked by Democratic Party regulars.