Remembering Jane Lawton

I got to know Jane Lawton by volunteering on her 2006 campaign for the House of Delegates. Knocking on doors is hot and sweaty work but Jane made it a lot of fun with lots of smiles and hugs--I always enjoyed laughing over the ups and downs of it over cookies at Cafe Monet after we had completed our "walk lists". Jane was inevitably among the last to show up because she got waylaid chatting with people.

Jane never really "campaigned" so much as just talked to people and made friends. She was effective because she was genuinely interested in people and their lives, always making time to ask about you and your family. She enjoyed her own tremendously. I know she got a real kick out of watching Steve sneak up signs for her around the district and Stephanie passionately campaign for her mom. Even as she ran for the House, she was so excited about Kathleen's wedding.

In an era when too many politicians make their name by dividing people even as they accomplish nothing, Jane possessed a healthy mixture of unaffected charm, an ability to bring people together, and a determination to move ahead. I think that's why Jane managed to steer a major piece of environmental legislation through the General Assembly in a session noted primarily for its lack of action on any major bills. Quite an accomplishment even for a senior legislator but amazing in someone who served for such a short time.

Despite over a decade on the Chevy Chase Town Council, including four as its Chairman, Jane was always a bit nervous when it came to public speaking. I never quite knew why. She had experience, good sense, and knew the facts. Let's just say that anyone who can unravel the mysteries of cable policy and explain it in plain English was never going to be out of her depth in the House of Delegates.

I've don't think I've ever met anyone who was as well liked in her neighborhood. When I was knocking on doors for her in our neighborhood, someone practically commanded me to go away and do this in another precinct because "everyone is already going to vote for her here." Of course, he was right--Jane received nearly unanimous support at the polls in her precinct in an extremely competitive primary.

Jane's last fundraiser before the critical Democratic primary was in Chevy Chase. I've never seen people so happy to give their money because it wasn't donating to a politician but helping out an old friend. She packed the house with friends from not just Chevy Chase but all corners of the County who were happy to help.

I know we'll all miss her.