WHEREAS, Senator Bob McCaslin was elected to the Senate in 1980 and in January 1981 he began a 30-year run in the Senate, one of the longest in Washington State's history; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin has endeared himself not only to his faithful constituents and Senate Republican Caucus staff, but to Senators on both sides of the aisle, as they recall how he often lightened the tone with his wit and wisdom during heated Senate floor debates; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin has always displayed equal amounts of compassion and strength with regard to the issues, while keeping in mind, and working toward, the needs and betterment of the 4th Legislative District and the entire State of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin is a friend to all, confidante of many, and trustworthy advisor to his colleagues; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin served in the United States Navy during World War II, after which he spent 17 years in production management at Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation, and for another 17 years owned his own real estate company in the Spokane Valley; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin, during his time in the Senate, has been passionately involved in growth management issues, and currently serves as the Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and as a Member of the Senate Economic Development, Trade and Innovation Committee; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin was a source of constant moral support to his colleagues, a stalwart conscience who would, when a colleague changed positions on a bill, wonder aloud if the colleague were as firm on this new position as on the prior one; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin's institutional knowledge and parliamentary prowess were legendary, and he is credited with establishing a tremendous body of precedent in the form of rulings by the President of the Senate, such as at least one ruling which established that a bill cannot be outside the scope and object of itself; and
     WHEREAS, Even when Senator McCaslin did not completely achieve his parliamentary aims on the full floor of the Senate, his tireless crusade to establish a breakfast break for those early Saturday morning sessions, his constant battle to ensure that the President knew he was handsome and wise before he ruled on a particular matter, and his dogged quest to check with the rostrum to make sure the clock measuring the three minute rule was working properly were a source of constant inspiration; and
     WHEREAS, He steadfastedly opposed tax increases throughout his illustrious career, but could be overheard from time to time wondering if the state might solve its fiscal problems once and for all by charging fees for floor speeches; and
     WHEREAS, On those rare and frustrating times when the Senate's business took the members deep into the dark of night, Senator McCaslin's sage advice as he put on his coat carried great weight with his colleagues, as he wished them all the best on their fruitless endeavors and hoped that they would turn the lights off when they left, as he was making for the elevator; and
     WHEREAS, Senator McCaslin, due to health reasons, has made the decision to retire, leaving an indelible mark on Olympia and this great institution; he will be greatly missed by all of us who know and love him;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and congratulate Senator McCaslin for his thirty years of dedication to the citizens of the State of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution honoring him be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Washington State Senator Bob McCaslin.