PORT TOWNSEND — Former Vice President Spiro Agnew once used the term “silent majority” to describe people who were fed up with 1960s war protesters and anti-American sentiment.

On Sunday night, retiring state Rep. Lynn Kessler used the same words with a different purpose.

“I think there is a silent majority of people who thinks we need to be more civil,” the Hoquiam Democrat said.

“The level of civility is going down and down and down.

“It’s wrong to use name-calling in political discussions, and I think it’s more valuable to hear more about what you support and less about what you are against.”

Kessler, 69, has represented the 24th District — which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and a third of Grays Harbor County — since 1992 and has served as House majority leader in the first decade of the century.

Kessler, who is not seeking re-election this fall, was guest of honor Sunday at the Jefferson County Democratic Party’s annual fish fry at the Port Townsend fairgrounds, an event that drew more than 300 people, according to county party chairman Matt Sircely.

Among those present were the entire Board of County Commissioners, three Port Townsend City Council members, several Jefferson County electeds and two Clallam County commissioners — one of whom, Steve Tharinger of Dungeness, is running for Kessler’s seat.

Kessler, who said she was often chastised for compromising with Republicans across the aisle, was conciliatory toward the GOP and said “it’s important that we use the best ideas from both parties.”

But she said she does not think people should vote for them — at least not this year.

“Many Republicans have good ideas, but we don’t want to take any risks during this election,” she said.

“If we don’t take part, there will be a huge change.

“If we aren’t as passionate about our beliefs as the tea party folks are, it will take this country down a road that we really don’t want to go down.”

Kessler was introduced by Nora Porter, who served as Kessler’s aide for the first third of her 18-year legislative career.

“After six years, I was a wreck,” said Porter, a Port Townsend resident.

“She lasted 18 years and it almost killed her, too.”

One of the reasons for Kessler’s retirement is health and a physical reaction to the stress of serving in the Legislature.

“I’m making this decision two years before I wanted to,” she said.

“But I was pushing too hard, and my almost 70-year-old body was telling me that it was time to quit.”

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.