Washington: Bill Grant

February 5, 2009 - 02:14 pm

Cancer takes life of former state Rep. Mary Skinner of Yakima

The tributes are starting to roll in for former state Rep. Mary Skinner, the seven-term Yakima Republican who died at home this morning of cancer.

The daughter of migrant workers was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006. Her death comes on the heels of cancer-related deaths of Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, and Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, both of whom died in the past six weeks.

Skinner represented the 14th district and was vice chair of the House GOP caucus before retiring last year, citing her elderly husbands heart problems. Rep. Norm Johnson was elected to fill her position.

Services are pending for Skinner, 63, and her 88-year-old husband, Dr.

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February 5, 2009 - 12:44 pm

NEWS FEED: News Tribune

Former state Rep. Mary Skinner, 63, died today of cancer

Former state Rep. Mary Skinner is the third past legislator to die in recent months. Bill Grant and Steve Hailey, also from Eastern Washington, also passed away recently.

Cancer claims former Rep. Mary Skinner
Lawmakers mourn loss of former 14th District state representative

Surrounded by her family, former Rep. Mary Skinner died this morning at 6:25 a.m. at her home in Yakima after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 63.

Skinner was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. She served for seven terms, including the last two as vice chair of the House Republican Caucus, but announced last May she would not seek re-election and would retire from office when her term expired this month.

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January 29, 2009 - 12:04 pm

NEWS FEED: News Tribune

Legislators, staff, lobbyists, friends will hold wake for Bill Grant

State Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, died Jan. 4, just before the legislative session began Jan. 12. His funeral and memorial service were held in his home town, but the weather was atrocious. So, his friends and colleagues on this side of the Cascades put together a celebration over here.

"It will be like the get-together's Bill has in his office, only bigger," one lobbyist told me yesterday.

It will be at 6:30 o'clock tonight, off campus. It's a private thing. If you got an e-mail, you're invited.

Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell, organized the celebration.

"The weather was really bad and not everyone could get over there," Ericks said.

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Mon, 11/10/2008 - 18:58

House Democrats retain leadership

By Bryan Bissell, PolitickerWA.com Reporter

The Washington state House Democratic Caucus opted to retain its leadership today, affirming six key roles.

Rep. Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) will return to his role as the speaker of the House, Rep. Lynn Kessler (D-Hoquiam) will remain majority leader, Rep. Bill Grant (D-Walla Walla) will be caucus chair, Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon) will be speaker pro-tem, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle) remains the majority whip postion, and Rep. Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver) is the deputy speaker pro-tem.

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Mon, 09/08/2008 - 16:56

House Republicans see good news in the numbers