The longtime state Democratic leader was a heckuva lot more than your proverbial “pioneer woman in a hitherto male dominated field.” She proved herself fully capable of running things, and continued to prove herself for decades. Under her watch, Washington became one of the most progressive, Dem-dominant states in the union. Remember when “moderate” Republicans could get elected governor and senator from here? When an overt wingnut pol like Jack Cunningham could get elected to Congress from south Seattle and Renton? Those days haven’t been with us in a while, and Marchioro’s long service is one reason why.