In this Thursday, June 29, 2017, file photo, Republican Sens. John Braun and Ann Rivers talk to the media about the agreement reached on an education funding plan in Olympia, Wash. Braun's wife, Marlo Braun, (not pictured) has been sworn Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in as a temporary senator in order to fill in for the Centralia Republican while he's participating in required military training for the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Photo Credit: Rachel La Corte/AP
The last time a temporary senator was sworn in under the provision was in 2005, when Spokane Republican John Wyss served three days for then-Sen. Brad Benson, a major in the Air National Guard. Before that, then-Sen. Mike Kreidler, now the state insurance commissioner, stepped aside for part of a year in 1991 when he was called up to reserve duty during Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf 1990 and 1991. He was replaced by his wife, Lela.
The state statute allows for elected officials to be temporarily replaced if they are called up to active service or training. Under the language of the resolution adopted by the counties, Marlo Braun was retroactively appointed to the Senate as of the time her husband's duty started, on July 15. Her appointment runs until "approximately Sunday."
Newly sworn in Sen. Marlo Braun, center, holds her certificate of appointment next to Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, left, and Lewis County District Court Judge Wade Samuelson, Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Olympia, Wash. Braun is filling in for her husband, Sen. John Braun, while he participates in required military training with the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Photo Credit: Rachel La Corte/AP
Lewis and Thurston counties voted in favor of the appointment on Monday, and Clark County voted Tuesday. However, a mix-up in Cowlitz County on Tuesday morning ultimately led to a revote later in the day to rescind a vote for Chehalis attorney and former lawmaker J. Vander Stoep and instead vote to appoint Marlo Braun.
John Braun had originally selected Vander Stoep as his replacement, but he was not available, thus leading to the request for Marlo Braun to step in. Cowlitz officials said they did not originally see the follow-up request for the change.
