Mike was born in the old Walla Walla General Hospital (now part of Whitman College Campus) and was raised on the family farm.
After working a few years for a private company, Mike decided to launch a business of his own. He successfully operated Hewitt Distributing until from 1977 to 1999 and at that time sold the company to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
It didn't take long however for things to change dramatically. He was almost immediately recruited to manage the Walla Walla Chamber of Commerce. Mike was the Executive Director for the chamber for two years and stepped down in December of 2001 to devote full time to his senate position.
Now completing his first term in the senate, Mike has thoroughly enjoyed the position and loves to have the ability to help others with their problems and challenges.
Elected position• Republican Majority Whip
Senate Committee Assignments
• Ways and Means - Vice Chair
• Capital Budget - Chair
• Commerce and Trade - Vice Chair
• Natural Resources, Energy and Water - Vice Chair
Special Committee Assignments
• Senate Operations and Facilities (Senate Board of Directors)
• Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)
• Lt. Governor's Economic Development and Int. Trade Committee
• Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on International Trade
• Washington Tourism Advisory Committee
Awards
• Wa. Farm Bureau, Exceptional Service to the Ag. Comm. Award, 2001
• Washington Farm Bureau, 100% Voting Record, 2001, 2002
• Farm Bureau's Legislator of the Year, 2002
• NFIB 2002 Guardian of Small Business Award
• Wa. Wine Institute 1st Annual Legislator of the year 2003
• 1997 Nominee, S.B.A Small Businessman of the Year
Voting Records
• www.awb.org
• www.nfib.com/page/homeWA
• www.wsfb.com
• www.washingtonvotes.org
