Lynn Kessler, who could probably win the contest for Washington’s most popular legislator, is hanging it up.  After 18 years in the state House, most of it in leadership, the Hoquiam Democrat stunned her colleagues by announcing her retirement.

As the longtime majority leader, Kessler was the highest-ranking woman in the House and her many fans had assumed she’d be the first woman Speaker one day.   But that wasn’t to be, as Speaker Frank Chopp set a record for holding the speakership and showed no signs of moving on. So Kessler, a youthful-looking 69, said a recent health scare and a desire to enjoy a long retirement with her attorney husband Keith caused her to decide to step away from a job she has enjoyed so much.

Kessler says she told Chopp of her decision Sunday night and her colleagues shortly before the adjournment of special session Tuesday.   She drew a sustained ovation, and told her colleagues “please be kind to one another.”

She says she’ll definitely miss the people and the issues of Olympia and being a part of history for two decades, but isn’t one of those people who want to “die with their boots on.”   She’ll travel to Italy next month and enjoy retirement life and giving back to her Grays Harbor community, enjoy Mariners’ baseball games, and be with her family.  “And no more campaigns!” she says.

Secretary Reed hailed Kessler’s stellar career, including her work on the state budget, her advocacy for heritage and the arts, and her strong voice for civility.