A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Washington state lawmakers were within their rights when they declined to issue press passes to three conservative media figures. It's a case that echoes a national discussion over who qualifies as a journalist. The Democratic-controlled Washington House of Representatives had declined to issue press credentials that would have granted the three access to parts of the Capitol in Olympia that are off-limits to the general public. The body said they were not bona fide journalists because they are participants in the political arena — advocating for certain agendas and hosting or speaking at rallies. The three asked the court for an emergency temporary restraining order that would force the House to give them passes. The judge denied the request.
