diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/views/auth.py b/src/wuttaweb/views/auth.py
index f7b1d0e..6f0e9b4 100644
--- a/src/wuttaweb/views/auth.py
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/views/auth.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 ################################################################################
 #
 #  wuttaweb -- Web App for Wutta Framework
-#  Copyright © 2024-2025 Lance Edgar
+#  Copyright © 2024-2026 Lance Edgar
 #
 #  This file is part of Wutta Framework.
 #
@@ -49,7 +49,6 @@ class AuthView(View):
         """
         model = self.app.model
         session = session or Session()
-        auth = self.app.get_auth_handler()
 
         # nb. redirect to /setup if no users exist
         user = session.query(model.User).first()
@@ -79,8 +78,9 @@ class AuthView(View):
         if data:
 
             # truly validate user credentials
-            user = auth.authenticate_user(session, data["username"], data["password"])
-            if user:
+            if user := self.authenticate_user(
+                session, data["username"], data["password"]
+            ):
 
                 # okay now they're truly logged in
                 headers = login_user(self.request, user)
@@ -95,6 +95,12 @@ class AuthView(View):
             # 'referrer': referrer,
         }
 
+    def authenticate_user(
+        self, session, username, password
+    ):  # pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
+        auth = self.app.get_auth_handler()
+        return auth.authenticate_user(session, username, password)
+
     def login_make_schema(self):  # pylint: disable=empty-docstring
         """ """
         schema = colander.Schema()