The Firebrand of the Legislature

One of the most aggressive personalities in the last legislature was Hon. Ole Hanson, representative from King County. Though this was his first experience in public office, he gained prominence at once through his dogged fight for the passage of the anti-racetrack gambling bill. Before his election, he announced to the people that he would introduce this measure; it was the first one introduced into the session, and his whirlwind fight forced it through the legislature despite all opposition. Mr. Hanson was born in North Cape, Wis., January 6th, 1874, and has visited practically every section of the United States. In 1900, he made the journey across the continent to the state of Washington with a team and wagon, camping out during the entire journey. He is a typical man of the people—one of those active, restless Americans who is always found where the fight is thickest and is always found fighting for the common people. During the special session, he taunted, jibed, prodded, and jeered Speaker Meigs until he actually forced the speaker into voting for the repeal of a measure that gouged the direct primary law. Two-thirds of the house rose with a roar to support Hanson. Spectacular? Yes, but this man gets results and they are the things that count with the people. It will pay to watch this man, for he has only begun his public career.