George Nethercutt, a former U.S. Representative from Spokane, Washington, died on Friday near Denver at the age of 79.
He had a rare brain disease called progressive supranuclear palsy.
Before entering politics, Nethercutt was a lawyer in Spokane with limited political experience.
In 1994, he surprised many by defeating Tom Foley, the Democratic Speaker of the House who had represented the district for 30 years. Nethercutt’s victory was part of a big Republican wave in the midterm elections that year, which shifted national politics to the right.
Foley was the first speaker to lose re-election since 1860.
In his campaign, Nethercutt focused on Foley’s opposition to term limits and pointed out how long Foley had been in office. Nethercutt promised to serve no more than three terms, but he ended up serving five before running unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2004.
As a congressman, Nethercutt supported conservative priorities like the Contract With America. He worked to find new international markets for farm products from eastern Washington, secure federal money for Fairchild Air Force Base, and support research grants to Washington State University. He also voted to impeach President Bill Clinton.
After leaving Congress, Nethercutt became a lobbyist and worked with his foundation to promote civics education.
He established a lecture series at Washington State University on civic engagement.
Nethercutt is remembered by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who now holds his former seat, as “a giant amongst men” who served with “honor and patriotism.” He is survived by his wife, two children, a sister, a brother, and a granddaughter.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.