Shirley Hankins (Republican) represents [the 8th] district of Benton County in the House of Representatives. Elected in 1980, she [served seven terms in the House and was appointed to the Senate in 1990 to serve the unexpired term of Max Benitz].

Born 1931, in Kansas, Hankins ... live[d] in Richland, and [wa]s a radiation dosimetry expert. She first became involved with political issues at the precinct level in 1964, and was a dedicated volunteer for community causes. Her work on Dan Evans' gubernatorial campaign stimulated her interest in elective office and led her to campaign for local positions.

Though her first campaign for the Legislature failed, she was encouraged by members of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs and the Richmond Republican Women's Organization to try again. She responded with a stronger campaign and was elected. Representative Hankins [saw] a need for more women in elective office. She [said], "It's good for personal development, and for developing the skills and political base women need." Representative Hankins has three grown children.

--Political Pioneers, The Women Lawmakers