Former U.S. Congressman George R. Nethercutt Jr. passed away at the age of 79. He made history by defeating House Speaker Thomas S. Foley in 1994, marking the first time since the Civil War-era that voters had rejected a House speaker.
George R. Nethercutt Jr., a Washington State native, celebrated his victory over Thomas S. Foley in 1994. Unfortunately, he passed away in Colorado at the age of 79 due to complications from a neurological disease, particularly progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease affecting various functions.
In 1992, voters in Washington State approved a ballot initiative imposing a three-term limit on members of Congress. This initiative was opposed by Mr. Foley, who was successfully challenged in court. After defeating Mr. Foley in 1994, Mr. Nethercutt promised to serve only three terms but later changed his mind and was re-elected twice more.
Mr. Nethercutt, a lawyer and political newcomer at the time, won against Mr. Foley in 1994 with 50.9 percent of the vote. This victory was part of the Republican midterm sweep influenced by Newt Gingrich’s “Contract With America” campaign, which resulted in a shift in Washington State’s House delegation from an 8-1 Democratic majority to seven Republicans and two Democrats.
Born in Spokane to George and Nancy Nethercutt, Mr. Nethercutt came from a family with a history of community involvement. His father served as the president of the local school board in the 1960s.
The passing of George R. Nethercutt Jr. marks the end of an era in Washington State politics. His victory over Thomas S. Foley in 1994 changed the landscape of the House delegation and brought attention to the issue of term limits in Congress. Despite his initial pledge to serve only three terms, Mr. Nethercutt’s legacy is a complex one, leaving behind a mix of accomplishments and controversies during his time in office. He will be remembered for his contributions to Washington State and the impact he had on the political scene during his tenure as a U.S. Congressman.