A post-election election retrospective had a bit of the usual celebration of victory, but much concern was expressed over the economic downturn that likely will require the Washington Legislature to slash millions out of the next state budget.

State Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles' 15th annual post-election analysis last week where glee was first expressed.

"I want to keep reliving election night, like Groundhog Day," said Kohl-Welles, 36th District Democrat. "It was one of the most fabulous nights of my life."

A panel, which included elected officials and members of the electronic media, discussed the election results and the upcoming legislative session.

Let's "take a drink, take a breath, and get back to work," said David Goldstein, a blogger for horsesass.org. He urged people to think twice about the positive and negative consequences of possible new taxes and Seattle's recently passed levies.

Many district residents told of their concern about the current unemployment rate, economic turmoil and how taxes will help or hinder their local problems.

"We cannot balance the budget on the backs of our children," said Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, 36th District Democrat. She said she was not willing to sacrifice the healthcare, education and general welfare of Washington's youth, and said increased taxes may be necessary to accomplish that mission.

"The Legislature is not necessarily going to take the governor's position of no-new-taxes," she said. "We have to look at all the options on the table."

Kohl-Welles said new solutions needed to be searched out.

"We are going to have to look at solutions we've never considered before," she said.

Goldstein encouraged debate on financial problems facing the state.

"If we're going to address long term structural deficit, we need to start talking about it," he said.

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, Spokane, said people need to stay politically active.

"It's your job as the activist base to demand good things from Olympia," said Brown. "You need to rise up to the challenge (of economic hardship)."

Liz Sternberg may be reached via bnteditor@robinsonnews.com