We've been informed in the Spokesman newsroom that Tom Foley, former House speaker from Spokane, has passed.
— Kip Hill (@kiphillreporter) October 18, 2013
The Democratic congressman from Washington has died. More on Foley from The Spokesman-Review:
Arguably Spokane’s most successful politician, Foley served 30 years in the House representing Eastern Washington’s 5th Congressional District, the last five of them as speaker, before losing both jobs in a historic electoral defeat in 1994. He went on to serve as U.S. ambassador to Japan for President Bill Clinton from 1997 through 2001, was a presidential advisor on foreign policy matters, a principal at a high-powered Washington, D.C., law firm and a member of many directors boards.
RIP Tom Foley
— Matt Murphy (@MattMurph24) October 18, 2013
RT @secstatewa: We join in saluting the life & service of Speaker Tom Foley, a giant in WA political life. #WAstate
— KAPP-KVEW (@KAPPKVEW) October 18, 2013
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Speaker Tom Foley. One of our state's finest public servants.
— Denny Heck (@RepDennyHeck) October 18, 2013
Sad to hear about Tom Foley. I only met him once, when as a young Senate staffer I lucked into a reception for him at the Japanese embassy.
— Ben O'Connell (@benjamin_oc) October 18, 2013
Sad news on Tom Foley. A good man.
— ChasF (@cfredeen) October 18, 2013
Sorry to hear this. RT @CBSEveningNews: JUST IN: Former House Speaker Tom Foley has died, @AP reports.
— Mark Joyella ?️? (@standupkid) October 18, 2013
Very sad to hear about Tom Foley's passing. As a legislator, I've always aspired to follow Speaker Foley's… http://t.co/xPlOF4msit
— Andy Billig (@andybillig) October 18, 2013
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Speaker Tom Foley a great man who carried about working people & about protecting our govt institutions. He knew how to get things done RIP
— Mark Mellman (@MarkMellman) October 18, 2013
Sad news. 57th Speaker of the House, Tom Foley, Rep for WA State's 5th CD, has passed away. A great man. RIP.
— David Irwin (@SEAtoNYC) October 18, 2013
https://twitter.com/crl_fitzpatrick/status/391232261720260608
RIP.
Update:
President George H.W. Bush’s spokesman released this statement:
41 stmnt on Tom Foley: "Barbara and I mourn the passing of a good man and great public servant …
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) October 18, 2013
41 on Tom Foley 2: "… Tom Foley, to me, represented the very best in public service — and our political system …"
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) October 18, 2013
41 on Tom Foley 3: "… He always fought for his principles; he was always well-informed and well-reasoned; but Tom never got personal …"
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) October 18, 2013
41 on Tom Foley END: "…We didn't agree on every issue, but on key issues we managed to put the good of the country ahead of politics."
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) October 18, 2013
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