Mary margaret haugen biography channel

Mary Margaret Haugen gestures around the living room of her Camano Island home and describes the things she's done in 22 years in the state Legislature, from helping preserve a historic resort at Cama Beach to finding money for a new interchange at Smokey Point.

To April Axthelm, those 22 years add up to a good reason why she should replace Haugen in the state Senate.

That's the fight in the 10th Legislative District Senate race, where Republican Axthelm is challenging Democrat Haugen.

Libertarian Brett Wilhelm of Freeland, Whidbey Island, is also in the race.

According to recent reports, Axthelm had raised about $52,600 in campaign contributions, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Haugen had raised about $107,800.

Axthelm says it's time for a change and that government should not be a lifetime job.

Haugen says she's just getting to where experience and seniority will let her really start accompl