Washblog

Chair of King County Democrats.

This is Karen Marchioro as Chair of WA State Democratic Party with US Senator Warren Magnuson.  It was used on the cover of the program for the nominating convention in 2005 - which was dedicated to her life and times.

by noemie maxwell on Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 03:07:38 PM PST

---

   I wish her family the best. Our nation and our state are diminished with her departure.

Dave Gibney Pullman

by gibney on Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 04:09:45 PM PST

---

I have read quite a bit today about Karen Marchioro from many perspectives. Grassroots Democrat. Shaper of the Washington Democratic Party. Force of nature. Friend. All of those are true, but I would like to focus on Karen as mentor. I came into the party three years ago with the Dean campaign. In my two plus years as a party chair, I came to rely on Karen not just as a friend but as a mentor. She always made herself available to talk. She always wanted to know what was going on, and was always ready with advice or some bit of inside information that made some confusing situation make sense. I don't claim to be unique in this; I saw her do the same for many people. In all of the times that I talked to her, it always seemed like she considered mentoring a privilege rather than a duty. Helping out those of us who were new was not an interference, but rather a reward she had earned through years of dedication and service. She has done her work well, and the party will continue to prosper due in no small part to the people she has helped along the way. But there will be a big void, and I will miss her tremendously.  

by Bryan Kesterson on Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 08:24:30 PM PST

---

Karen was a second mother to me. She supported my pursuits, helped where appropriate and always encouraged me to be better, do better, seek better. She brought out the best in everyone who knew her because she held others to the highest of expectations -- the same expectations she held for herself. It was dreadful to let her down, but glorious to reach those unexpected and unfathomable heights.

Karen was a pioneer in everyway -- she had uncommon vision; the deepest knowledge of both the past and the future; the idealism and deeply-held principles to set high goals, but the practicality to compromise where necessary; and the singular motivation to improve the world and promote peace and justice. She was a master bridge builder and, like any good engineer or architect, was delighted when others used her bridges to move farther, farther, farther.

Though she deserved it mightily, she never tolerated being placed on any pedestal. She was common folk, always willing to share her personal and political failures so that others could avoid the same mistakes. She never sought glory for glory's sake.  Her very essence led her to leadership positions in every pursuit.  She had gifts to give, knowledge to share, and these demanded expression.  She was fairly bursting with power, smarts, ethics, and grace and that compelled her to accept this ascending role through successive elections and appointments.  Karen was never just a seat filler.  She was a doer.  Once she won election or appointment to a desired post, she didn't rest or bask in the benefits.  She started in immediately to contribute.  She truly earned the respect, admiration, and friendship of countless world leaders and ordinary citizens, alike.  

So, in Karen's honor, please join me first in telling the people you love that you love them -- Karen was famous and gracious in doing that, too. As Karen always did, please then always allow others to strap themselves to you as you move up the ladder -- there's so much room at the top. And please, please use, adapt, improve Karen's bridges - while acknowledging that the road behind has come from Karen's love, generosity, brilliance, and hard work.

Lastly, if there's any lesson I would want the younger people of our party to learn for Karen, it would be that the "old guard" still know a thing or two and that we can all win if we seek, learn from, and follow their sage advice. They are the links from past to future, we are the "next guard," and our time will come. Again, there's lots of room at the top!

My very deepest love to Karen and Jeff, both.  Peace to all of us in this most profound time of loss!

Liz Koch

by Liz Koch on Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 09:26:49 PM PST

---

Boy, would she be pissed.  She'd be demanding that all these good Dems quit all the gushing over her, and start working.

Karen took no guff from anyone.  Not from Scoop Jackson, not from Bill Clinton, not from Howard Dean, not from Dwight Pelz, not even from Jeff Smith.

Requiscat in Pace doesn't cut it.  Wherever Karen may be, she's raising hell.  And she's organizing a progressive caucus.

You're only young once, but you can be immature forever -- Larry Andersen
Blogging at Peace Tree Farm

by N in Seattle on Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 10:21:50 PM PST

---

I really appreciate the tributes here.

I had a strong reaction on first hearing Karen Marchioro speak and then briefly meeting her at this past January's State Democratic Party reorganization (where she told me about the pin in her hat -- that it was made by her friend Senator Cal Anderson and that she wears it to important events).    She seemed so genuinely friendly and unpretentious -- along with this intelligence that shone through.  I think this is a combination that the most powerful people have.  The state Dem. party went up a notch in my estimation, no kidding.

   

by noemie maxwell on Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 11:22:07 PM PST

---

My favorite memory of Karen was in my first go round of being on the state central committee.  I would join my chair and Di Irons usually for coffee.  Jeff and Karen would usually be there.  When the holidays came around, I got a hand written letter from Karen Marchioro.  I thought "wow" I made Karen's Christmas Card list. I open the letter and it is a request to vote for her for delegate to the national convention!  

by Mike Barer on Fri Aug 31, 2007 at 10:00:33 PM PST

---

I just want to add my deepst sympathy to Jeff Smith and Karen's family. When I first became involved in Washington politics Karen seemed like a Goddess. She was, and continued to be, one of the most admirable poltical figures I have ever seen.

We didn't always agree on things, but that is what made her so special because even if you didn't she respected you for your own beiefs and truly appreciated everything people brought to the table.

She will be missed!

by Greg Rodriguez on Sun Sep 02, 2007 at 06:20:56 PM PST

---