In Memoriam: State Senator Anita Bowser

State Senator Anita Bowser (D - Michigan City) died Sunday at an Indianapolis hospice. 

She had served in the State Senate since 1992.  Prior to her service in the Indiana senate she had been a member of the "People's House."  She was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from January through November of 1980; she had been selected in a precinct caucus to succeed State Representative Cliff Arnold, who had resigned upon being sworn in as Mayor of Michigan City.

She was defeated in the fall of 1980, however, she then won the 1982 election and served in the General Assembly continuously until her death.  State Senator Bowser held a law degree and taught constitutional law at Purdue University - North Central campus.

She held strong beliefs in the U.S. Constitution and the protections of the Bill of Rights.  She was often a voice of caution and admonition in the legislative chambers regarding the effects of state legislation on constitutional protections.  She was always dignified and cordial; those personal attributes never wavered and were a source of her influence and strength.

I served with Anita Bowser in the House of Representatives and I join with many others in paying tribute to her and her contribution in service to the people of Indiana.