11 Facts About Jolene Unsoeld

Jolene Bishoprick Unsoeld was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1995.

Jolene Unsoeld attended Oregon State University from 1949 to 1951.

Jolene Unsoeld spent the 1970s and early 1980s as a citizen lobbyist in support of open government, including open public meetings and open public records.

Jolene Unsoeld's efforts led to the passing of Initiative 276 in 1972, and consequently the establishment of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, and required disclosure of campaign contributions by candidates for elective office.

Jolene Unsoeld faced moderate Clark County Commissioner John McKibbin in the primary, who depicted Jolene Unsoeld as too liberal for the district.

Jolene Unsoeld's campaign was endorsed by EMILY's List, in what was described as one of the organization's early victories.

Jolene Unsoeld opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement, arguing that it was insufficient in protecting the labor rights of both Mexican and American workers:.

Notably, Jolene Unsoeld opposed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, generally referred to as the "1994 Crime Bill".

Jolene Unsoeld lost her bid for re-election in the Republican Revolution of 1994 to Linda Smith, in what was described as a "surprise" victory for her opponent.

Jolene Unsoeld was reappointed in 1997 by Governor Gary Locke, however in February 1998 the State Senate refused to confirm her renomination after she argued that more restrictions on fishing were necessary to restore salmon runs.

Jolene Unsoeld died in Olympia, Washington, on November 28,2021, five days before her 90th birthday.