When I was appointed to the Senate by the King County Council a few months ago, I knew the day would come when I would rise to speak of the man I replaced, the late Senator Scott White.

For the last few months I have been thinking about what I was going to say on this occasion. The first thing I can say is that I wish I wasn’t there giving that speech. I wish I was back as a junior member of the House (not fully understanding the somewhat mysterious dynamics of this body) and that Scott was with his colleagues and his friends and most importantly with his beautiful family who loved him so. But it wasn’t meant to be. It wasn’t in the plan, perhaps it wasn’t in God’s plan.

What I can say is this. Scott was talented, smart, caring, and very good at the craft of lawmaking and the craft of politics – in the most honorable sense of the word. He was very good at this craft, which at its best is about advancing a plan to make things better for the people. Those of us in the political arena, we can spot political talent when we see it. Scott had it. He had an ability to connect with the people and he had an ability to work brilliantly in a difficult political environment to bridge divides. He was exceptional at this craft. And so we will miss him and this state will miss one of its rising stars.

To Scott’s family: Alison, I cannot tell you how many people have come up to me to express their admiration, and frankly, their astonishment at your grace and your strength throughout this ordeal. I think of you all the time, and I think of your husband all the time. I want you to know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us. Claire and Barrett, I want you to always know how well respected your father was and how good he was at making the laws for the rest of us. And so now we are going to make a law for your father.