Ken Eikenberry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ken Eikenberry
Chair of the Washington Republican Party
In office January 1, 1993 – January 1, 1996
Preceded by	Ben Bettridge
Succeeded by	Dale Foreman
In office January 1, 1977 – January 1, 1981
Preceded by	Earl Davenport
Succeeded by	Jennifer Dunn
15th Attorney General of Washington
In office January 1, 1981 – January 13, 1993
Governor	John Spellman Booth Gardner
Preceded by	Slade Gorton
Succeeded by	Christine Gregoire
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 36th district
In office January 11, 1971 – January 10, 1977
Preceded by	John Murray
Succeeded by	Joe Taller
Personal details
Born	Kenneth Otto Eikenberry (1932-06-29) June 29, 1932 (age 93) Wenatchee, Washington, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Beverly
Education	Wenatchee Valley College Washington State University, Pullman (BA) University of Washington (JD)

Kenneth Otto Eikenberry (born June 29, 1932) is an American lawyer and politician. He has held several important roles in Washington State government. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Eikenberry served as Washington's Attorney General from 1981 to 1993. He also worked as a state representative and led the Republican Party in Washington.

Ken Eikenberry's Career in Public Service

Serving as Attorney General

Ken Eikenberry was the Attorney General of Washington for 12 years. He held this important job from 1981 to 1993. The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the state. This person gives legal advice to the government. They also work to protect the rights of citizens. Eikenberry took over this role from Slade Gorton. Gorton later became a U.S. Senator for Washington.

Working as a State Representative

Before becoming Attorney General, Eikenberry was a member of the Washington State House of Representatives. He represented the 36th District. He was elected three times, serving from 1971 to 1977. State representatives help make laws for their state.

Leading the Republican Party

Eikenberry also served as the elected Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party. He held this position twice. His first term was from 1977 to 1980. He returned to lead the party again from 1993 to 1996. The party chair helps guide the party's goals and activities in the state.

Running for Governor

In 1992, Ken Eikenberry ran for Governor of Washington. He was the Republican candidate. He lost the election by a small number of votes. The winner was Mike Lowry, a member of the Democratic Party.

Later Activities

Eikenberry has continued to be involved in public life. He is currently on the board of the Constitutional Law PAC. This group focuses on legal issues related to the U.S. Constitution. In 2010, he supported Clint Didier in his campaign for the Senate.

In 2013, Eikenberry appeared on TV in Washington. He encouraged people to vote "NO" on Washington Initiative 522, 2012. This initiative was about whether to label foods that were genetically engineered.