With the Pierce County Council watching, Steve O'Ban looked down momentarily before describing the man whom he called his mentor.
Mike Carrell, the opinionated, passionate Republican lawmaker from Lakewood, had inspired O'Ban. The latter had gone doorbell-ringing for Carrell during campaign season. They shared similar views on politics, as well as approaches to getting the job done.
Perhaps that's why Carrell's death last week was personal to the 28th District representative from University Place.
"It would be a high honor," O'Ban said, choking up as he spoke into the microphone, "for me to be able to be his successor."
He'll now have that honor.
The Pierce County Council unanimously voted Tuesday to appoint O'Ban - elected to office last year - to the senate vacancy created with Carrell's death.
The move comes days after Pierce County GOP members recommended former County Councilman Dick Muri of Steilacoom for the appointment. While that decision gave momentum to Muri, it wasn't necessarily a decisive victory. In fact, the vote was nearly split at 20-16.
There was also the fact that Carrell's widow, Charlotte, encouraged local Republicans to vote for O'Ban.
On Tuesday, O'Ban got unanimous support from people who spoke during the public comment section.
After discussing the qualifications of O'Ban, Muri and University Place City Councilman Javier Figueroa in a 15-minute executive session, the County Council spoke about what they wanted in the appointment.
"It's important we send to Olympia someone who can cross the aisle," Councilman Stan Flemming said.
The County Council conducted two appointment votes: one for Muri and another for O'Ban.
They rejected Muri on a 4-3 vote. They unanimously approved O'Ban 7-0.
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