Jean Berkey

Jean Louise (née Haskell) Berkey (August 22, 1938 – August 21, 2013) was an American politician.

Berkey served as Washington State Senator (Democrat) for the 38th District. Her career ended after a 2010 primary election in which her Democratic opponent, Nick Harper, bankrolled ads for the Republican candidate in an effort to "Squeeze The Middle" and prevent the moderate incumbent Berkey from running in the general election.[1][2][3] The state's election watchdog committee unanimously voted to refer the case to the state Attorney General Rob McKenna, who promptly "filed suit, alleging multiple campaign-finance violations."[4] Berkey placed third in the primary, and despite a call several former state senators to hold another election, was prevented from running in the general election per Washington state's 'top two' primary system.[5][6] Her term ended in January 2011.

Politics

Berkey represented the 38th Legislative District for five years, first as representative and then as senator. The district includes Everett and Marysville. Berkey had been active in political and community activities in Snohomish County, Washington – serving as board member for a number of organizations including the Everett Senior Center, the Everett Medic One Foundation, United Way and the Everett Community College Board of Trustees.

Berkey served as the vice-chair for both the Financial Institutions, Insurance & Consumer Protection Committee and the Government Operations & Elections Committee, and a member of the Early Education, K-12 and Higher Education Committee.

Personal life

Born in Loma Linda, California on August 21, 1938, Berkey moved to Everett, Washington with her family when she was nine years old. She graduated from Everett High School and received an associate degree from Everett Community College. Berkey then received a BA in business from the University of Washington. Berkey worked at the General Telephone Company and was active in her labor union and in Democratic politics. Berkey and her husband Don lived in Everett for over 30 years. Berkey died at home on Fidalgo Island on August 21, 2013.[7][8]

Awards, honors, snubs

In 2009, Berkey became the recipient of a Fuse "Fizzle" Award.[9] Fuse's Sizzle (thumbs up) and Fizzle (thumbs down) awards program is aimed at promoting leadership and accountability in the Washington State Legislature.

See also

References
  1. Labor and Lawyers Were Behind Sneak Attack on Berkey, PDC Says – Created Fake ‘Republican’ Campaign to Build Up Weak Opponent "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-10-29. Retrieved 2011-11-24.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Seattle Times November 2, 2010 Time for a do-over in the 38th Legislative District's Senate primary http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2013328444_guest03vognild.html
  3. Seattle Times August 22, 2010 State Sen. Jean Berkey asks PDC to set aside election results http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2012744540_statesenjeanberkeyasks.html
  4. Seattle Times November 2, 2010 Time for a do-over in the 38th Legislative District's Senate primary http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2013328444_guest03vognild.html
  5. Seattle Times November 2, 2010 Time for a do-over in the 38th Legislative District's Senate primary http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2013328444_guest03vognild.html
  6. Seattle Times August 22, 2010 State Sen. Jean Berkey asks PDC to set aside election results http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2012744540_statesenjeanberkeyasks.html
  7. Former legislator Jean Berkey dies at 74
  8. Jean Louise Berkey-obituary
  9. "Broken Compass" Award Archived 2010-04-28 at the Wayback Machine
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