SPOKANE, Wash. – Former congressman George Nethercutt, the politician who unseated former US House Speaker Tom Foley from his congressional seat, died on Friday.
Nethercutt’s passing represents the loss of one of the state’s most influential Republican leaders of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s and an important figure in eastern Washington.
He entered the federal congress as part of a cohort of mid-’90s culture-war conservatives including former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who secured the top leadership role in part due to Nethercutt’s successful efforts to secure Foley’s office.
Nethercutt served in congress for a decade, focusing on countering the Clinton administration’s legislative efforts and later promoting the Bush Administration’s platform on the invasion of Iraq.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R), who serves in the seat Nethercutt occupies, shared her remembrance of the late congressman via social media.
“George Nethercutt was a giant amongst men who served the people of Eastern Washington with honor and patriotism for a decade. George was a man of character who led with kindness and conviction, and he was a person I proudly looked up to long before the day I was sworn in to represent the Fifth District we shared such a love for,” McMorris Rodgers said.
Former US Congressman and current gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert (R) also honored Nethercutt’s legacy and noted his dedication to family.
“I’m saddened by the passing of former Congressman George Nethercutt and my condolences are with his wonderful family. His advice throughout my time in Congress was invaluable—George served Washington well,” Reichert said.
Washington State University, Nethercutt’s alma mater, offered a message of mourning for the congressman and noted his connection to Pullman.
“Washington State University mourns the passing of George Nethercutt, a dedicated public servant and proud Coug,” WSU said.
Check back here for additional public figure’s remembrances of Congressman Nethercutt throughout Friday.
