Longtime education champion Rosemary McAuliffe (D‑1st District: Bothell, Kirkland, Clearview) announced today in a press release that she has decided not to seek reelection in 2016, ending a decades-long career in the Legislature that began with her victory in the “Year of the Woman” in 1992.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the 1st Legislative District for twenty-three years. While I have decided to finish out this year and not seek re-election, I will without a doubt continue to be involved in my communities.” said McAuliffe, adding: “I appreciate the support of my community. It is now time to come home and be with friends and family, and with my husband Jim. I am excited about future plans, whatever they may be. It has truly been an honor to serve.”
McAuliffe’s colleagues lauded her service.
“Just saw the news that my friend and colleague Rosemary McAuliffe is retiring,” said Senator Marko Liias of the 21st District. “She has always had a heart for kids, and she has never forgotten that we need excellent teachers to get them the education they deserve. Thanks for a long record of great work.”
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with Senator Rosemary McAuliffe for our shared constituents in the 1st Legislative District, most recently to protect the Wayne Golf Course for habitat and open space in perpetuity,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski. “She’s been a longtime champion for kids and education; her leadership and advocacy for our constituents will be missed.”
McAuliffe’s seatmate, Representative Luis Moscoso, announced he will run to take McAuliffe’s place in the Washington State Senate — with her blessing. Here’s his letter to Democratic activists in the 1st District:
Dear Friends:
I want you to be the first to know that I’ll be announcing my candidacy for the Senate tomorrow. I am pleased to have the endorsements of Senator McAuliffe and my seat mate Derek Stanford. Thank you both for believing in me.
I look forward to working with all of you in a my campaign. This will be a historic venture and I will need all your help to succeed. I want to be sure to carry forward the work Senator McAuliffe has so ably done for the 1st LD this past quarter century.
Much of the legislation I’m already deeply involved in; like the Washington Voting Rights Act, Public Safety and Prison Reform, and a myriad of transportation concerns, will be major campaign issues for us here in the 1st LD.
Our Democratic values and principles will be tested in this Presidential election year. And I know we can prevail with your help. Thanks again for all your support these past 6 years in the House as well as the encouragement you’ve given me since 2001 when you first elected me as Snohomish County Male Delegate from the LD.
¡Si se puede!
~ Luis
Moscoso will be giving up his House seat to run for the Senate, which means there’s an opening for an aspiring leader at the local level to move on up as well.
The 1st is a fairly Democratic district, and elected Moscoso handily in a tough year for Democrats… so he ought to be able to hold McAuliffe’s seat, and the party should be able to hold on to his House seat as well.
We at NPI thank Senator McAuliffe for her many years of dedicated public service. She’s been in the Legislature for over two decades, and was a Northshore School Board member before that. She has always been a dependable advocate for students, parents, and teachers, working to support Washington’s youth and the hardworking professionals committed to their well-being. She leaves behind a positive legacy in the statehouse. We wish her all the best.
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