House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, announced tonight that she is retiring from the House of Representatives.
Kessler, 69, has served 18 years in the House. She said she reached her decision weeks ago but didn’t want to disclose it until the final night.
“I’ll be 70 when my term is up. At one point do you start getting a life?” she said a few minutes before revealing her decision in a Point of Personal Privilege that came shortly after midnight..
“Being a part of this place is an amazing experience that few people ever have,” she said to her colleagues. “We’ve had the ability to change laws to change lives.”
“I am privileged to have served with all of you. I am sad that I am leaving but I am really glad. It’s time,” she said.
“I wish you all well and please be kind to one another,” she said in conclusion, touching off a prolonged standing ovation as members from both sides of the aisle lined up to embrace her.
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