Weeks after Sen. Mark Doumit resigned to take a new job as executive director of the state Forest Protection Association, a former state representative has been named to the post.

Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, was appointed Friday by commissioners for the four counties included in the 19th District: Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum.

The seat comes with big shoes to fill. Before Doumit, the seat was held for more than a decade by statehouse legend Sid Snyder. Hatfield, who served in the House from 1994 to 2004, then stepped down to go to work for Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, was earlier a legislative assistant to Snyder.

Hatfield will quit his job with the lieutenant governor's office, according to the Senate Democratic caucus.

The move will mean a pay cut. Hatfield's 2005 salary was $68,500, according to the Office of Financial Management. Rank-and-file lawmakers are paid less than half that: $36,311, although they per diem allowances during the session increase that somewhat.

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