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Richard DeBolt Steps Down as House Republican Leader, Citing Health Reasons

Will Remain in Seat for Remainder of Term – Members Point to Serious Health Issues

House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt offers his farewell address from the front of the chamber.

House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt offers his farewell address from the front of the chamber.

OLYMPIA, April 18.—House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, finally got his chance to stand at the rostrum of the House Wednesday. Nine years after he became minority leader, a job he has held continuously since 2006, DeBolt was invited to the front to say his farewells.

“It feels kind of nice to actually be up here,” he said.

DeBolt, 47, announced Wednesday that he is stepping down as minority leader for reasons of ill health. The announcement had been widely rumored at the statehouse since late last week and caught few by surprise, yet the speech on the House floor came without advance notice and left Olympia to catch its breath. Though DeBolt plans to remain in the House through the end of his term, he made it clear that his time in the spotlight is coming to an end. If a Republican speaker wields the gavel again in Washington state, it won’t be him.

“I’m not leaving,” he said. “I’m just changing roles for a while, stepping away – I’m going to focus on my family and my health and my other worlds.”

DeBolt’s departure means House Republicans will have to reshuffle their leadership assignments. No reorganization meeting has been scheduled, though it may come as soon as next week. For now Deputy Leader Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, will take over as acting Republican leader.

Ailment is Unspecified 

House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle (left) and House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, have been reinstalled in their respective party leadership posts in the state House.

House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle confers with House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis during the 2012 legislative session.

DeBolt had been absent nearly a week, missing Friday’s budget vote in the House, after he was stricken at his home April 10 and went to the emergency room. Though the exact nature of DeBolt’s ailment has not been specified, Kretz says that DeBolt has suffered from kidney and stomach problems and a potassium imbalance for more than two years.

“He started feeling worse in November, noticeably worse, and he just had more trouble in the last week,” he said. “Some of the things he is supposed to stay away from are junk food, salt, coffee and stress, and you know what this place is running on right now – it is all of these things. So I feel a little guilty – I was one of those people who talked him into staying two years ago.”

Kretz said DeBolt is still waiting on tests.

Will Spend More Time With Family

DeBolt’s public statements were limited to his brief remarks from the rostrum and a press release issued shortly thereafter. By the time news began to spread DeBolt had already departed the chamber. DeBolt is director of external affairs for TransAlta, which owns the enormous coal-fired steam plant in Centralia, and he has represented the 20th Legislative District since his election in 1996. He has served in a variety of leadership roles, including deputy leader and House floor leader. He became minority leader during 2004 and has held that position steadily for the last eight years.

In his written statement, DeBolt said doctors advised him to step down from his leadership position two years ago. “I didn’t take that advice and should have,” he said. “Sometimes people take their health for granted and feel invincible, but then they are confronted with reality. That’s where I find myself today.”

DeBolt noted that his son Austin, one of two children, celebrates his 16th birthday Thursday, and he said he looks forward to celebrating it with him. “The goal is to celebrate many more with him.”

Reorganization Comes Next

Leaders of the Senate Majority Caucus face a rather knottier problem: Finding a way to boost higher ed without tax increases.

DeBolt looks on as Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, D-Medina, and Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, speak with reporters early this session.

By remaining in his seat, DeBolt is following the same pattern as state Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, his Republican counterpart in the upper chamber who stepped down from his leadership position last fall following cancer surgery. Hewitt continues to represent the 16th District, but from the floor and not from a corner office.

Now it is up to the House Republicans to decide how and when they wish to reassign leadership positions. Republicans said a reorganizational meeting may come as soon as next Monday. Most speculation focuses on current and former members of the House Republican leadership team, including Kretz, Caucus Chair Dan Kristiansen of Snohomish, Floor Leader J.T. Wilcox of Yelm, former Floor Leader Charles Ross of Naches, and former Assistant Floor Leader Kevin Parker of Spokane.

“I think everyone here is highly motivated to make this work as smoothly as possible,” Wilcox said. “I am not aware of any dissent that is going to split the caucus.”

Wilcox noted that he was DeBolt’s seatmate on the floor. “I learned a ton,” he said. “I feel bad he’s not sitting there.”

Others Pay Tribute

House Speaker Frank Chopp paid DeBolt the ultimate courtesy Wednesday morning as he allowed his most loyal opponent to mount the steps to the rostrum to offer his “point of personal privilege.” Chopp said he was “always very worried whenever Richard would stand and speak on the floor – I was always very jealous, frankly, because you can get up and give a great speech. And I’m always nervous. In fact, I am pleased that I haven’t given a floor speech in about 10 years.”

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement: “Richard has been a stalwart leader for his caucus and I thank him for his dedication and work. I wish him all the best as he takes time to focus on his family and his health.”

And Secretary of State Kim Wyman said, “Our thoughts and prayers go with Richard DeBolt and his family as he leaves his House leadership post and deals with his health issues.  He has been a longtime friend and colleague in Thurston County and now as secretary of state, I always know I can count on his counsel and support.  He has been a tireless advocate for the people of the 20th District and for his caucus, and I know his goal has always been policies that expand opportunities for businesses and for the people of Washington.

“I look forward to his continued service to the public, and wish him well. Today is a day for paying tribute to his many contributions.”


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