Helen Sommers: An Oral History

Lynn Kessler
voice for higher education, but her voice was not
just for higher ed. It was a solid voice in our caucus.
Helen had a way in caucus. It didn’t matter if it was
budget or just a policy discussion on bills, when
things would get kind of goofy, Helen could stand
up, cut to the chase, and make some kind of statement
that would help everybody get back on track.
So, I think her absence in 2009, and Bill Grant’s
departure, had a very profound effect everywhere.
For Helen, specifically, higher ed. was a great
focus to her. But there are other higher education
advocates in our caucus. We will never dismantle
higher ed! But it certainly was her holding on for
dear life; because ultimately, often she had to give
up on some of it; she couldn’t keep it all. We had
good battles!
(editor’s note: House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler
announced she would retire from the House after the
2010 Session after 18 years of service to Washington
State; another big loss to the Legislature.)
pg. 143