Sen. John Braun’s wife appointed to fill in while he serves his country in U.S. Navy Reserve

OLYMPIA…Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, issued this statement welcoming Sen. Marlo Braun, R-Centralia, wife of Sen. John Braun, following her temporary appointment today as senator for the 20th Legislative District.

The new senator takes her husband’s place while he is deployed with the U.S. Navy Reserve, making him unable to be in Olympia during the final week of 2017’s third special legislative session, which ends Thursday.

“It’s no small commitment for your family when you serve in the Senate. The time away from home, the phone calls at all hours even when we are home, the exposure in the press – it can be a lot to handle. John’s family knows this better than most, what with the time he put in on the budget and the education-funding plan recently.

“Marlo is going above and beyond ‘family support’ by taking John’s place while he’s away and our caucus couldn’t be more grateful and more pleased. Her presence while he serves our country will allow us to finish the work of the Legislature and we’re glad to have her on board.”

Washington state law (RCW 73.16.041 ) provides for a temporary appointment in the event military duty conflicts with that of the Legislature. In 1991, then-Sen. Mike Kreidler, D-Thurston County, was a reservist and was called up for active duty. His wife Lela served in his absence. In 2005, Jon Wyss took the place of Sen. Brad Benson, R-Spokane, for three days while Benson was away on military training.