Connecting with Cathy; Remembering an eastern Washington giant

Together we remember the life of an eastern Washington giant, Tom Foley, who represented our Fifth Congressional District with distinction for 30 years.

Even today, Wheat farmers and all the citizens of our district benefit from the tremendous work he did to ensure that farmers had a voice in nation's capital, to protect Fairchild and improve infrastructure.

He rose as high as a person can rise in politics, chosen by his collegues to be Speaker of the House, a position he held from 1989 to 1995.

On the floor of the House last week, I introduced a resolution in his memory, and the House adjourned out of respect for his passing.

We remember Tom Foley's leadership as a time that was less gridlocked than the one we live in today. Certainly there was no 24-hour news cycle, no MSNBC and Fox News and little of the heated rhetoric we hear so often today from both sides.

I have written this entire column without mentioning the political party to which Tom Foley belonged- because his passing is a loss for all of the 5th Congressional District regardless of party.

But of respect for the man and his memory, I will conclude by saying he was always and proudly a Democrat, who believed deeply in the principles of his party and in the greatness of our country.

He loved and served his country, his party, and his district where he grew up. We should all follow his example.