Lt. Gov. Owen announces retirement

In a tear-filled address to the state Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen announced Tuesday that he won’t be seeking re-election, ending four decades of service to the state government.

“I will be leaving this office when this term is up in January,” Owen said. “I will leave it for the next lieutenant governor to build upon (what I have done), to make it even better.”

The Shelton Democrat began his career in state government in 1976, when he was elected to the House. He served as a representative until 1983, when he was elected to the Senate. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1996, and has been re-elected four times.

Owen said he hasn’t decided what he will do in retirement. He said Tuesday that he has been approached about doing international work, but hasn’t made any commitments.

He joked he will probably sit around watching soap operas and game shows.

Several senators thanked Owen for his service, including Majority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, and Minority Leader Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island.

Both senators commended Owen for his fairness and leadership.

“You have made the office so incredibly important for our future,” Nelson said.

During his speech, Owen said four state senators and one representative said they will run for the position. He said he hopes his successor will be committed to non-partisan decision-making. Owen denounced partisanship.

“All it does is create an environment of us versus them, instead of all of us for the people,” Owen said.

Owen thanked his family — including his wife, Linda Owen — for their support during his 40 years in office. He also thanked friends, supporters, lawmakers and Washington residents.

“It was a rare privilege and a great honor,” he said.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Lt. Gov. Owen announces retirement."