WHEREAS, Jeannette Hayner was born in 1919 in Portland, Oregon,
just one year prior to women receiving the national right to vote; and
WHEREAS, Upon receiving her bachelor of arts from the University of
Oregon, Jeannette Hayner was one of two women to graduate from the
University of Oregon Law School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Jeannette Hayner was accomplished in her personal life,
marrying fellow University of Oregon Law School graduate and WWII
veteran H.H. "Dutch" Hayner and raising three children; and
WHEREAS, Jeannette Hayner chose to pursue politics, first becoming
an active member of the Walla Walla school board then running for the
open seat in the State Legislature in 1972; and
WHEREAS, After defeating three opponents, Jeannette Hayner took her
seat in the House of Representatives in 1973, she then ran successfully
for an open seat in the Senate, and she would run and be reelected
every four years until her retirement in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Jeannette Hayner became the Senate Republican Leader in
1979, and Senate Majority Leader in 1981, the first woman to ever hold
the title, and she would continue to proudly lead her fellow
Republicans for the following 13 years; and
WHEREAS, During her 20-year career with the Legislature, Jeannette
Hayner did not shy away from responsibility, showing constant wisdom
and strength, taking initiative in creating the infamous "Rule of 13"
where a simple majority of 13 caucus members would bind all the rest to
the decision; and
WHEREAS, Jeannette Hayner, even after her passing, provides the
women of Washington with great hope for heightened representation and
the continued success of women in a position of political influence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That it is with great respect, that
the Washington State Senate remember and honor the accomplishments,
courage, and excellence of character exemplified by former Senate
Majority Leader Jeannette Hayner.