Brad Owen Politician

Bradley Owen (born May 23, 1950) is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves as the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Washington. Owen is the longest currently serving Lieutenant Governor in the United States. In the event of the governor leaving office, Owen would assume the position of governor until a special election could be held.Owen was a small business owner before entering politics. He was elected as Shelton City Finance Commissioner and to the Washington House of Representatives in 1976 and served in those capacities until 1983, when he was elected to the Washington State Senate. In 1989, he formed a non-profit organization called Strategies for Youth, first as a way to fight substance abuse among Washington's young people and later with a greater emphasis on bullying and respecting diversity. The program concluded in 2011. In 1996, Owen moved from the legislature to the executive branch with his election as lieutenant governor. He was re-elected to that position in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. His current term expires in January 2017.Owen is opposed to abortion, he campaigns against drug use and drug legalisation and he is described as "lukewarm" on gay rights. He has received criticism for his work ethic, not working outside of the legislative calendar, working from home and prioritising his outside business interests ahead of his duties as Lieutenant Governor. In September 2014 he was fined $15,000 for breaking state law by using state resources to run Strategies for Youth, his personal non-profit group.On April 2, 2008, the King of Spain Juan Carlos I bestowed the Order of Isabella the Catholic, or Spanish knighthood, on Owen.