Spokane, WA – George R. Nethercutt, Jr., the Spokane lawyer and county Republican chairman who became a national political “giant killer” 30 years ago by defeating the sitting speaker of the House of Representatives, died Friday morning. He was 79 and had fought the debilitating effects of a progressive neurological disease for several years.
George Rector Nethercutt Jr. was an American lawyer, author, and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he rose to national attention upon his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, when he defeated House Speaker Tom Foley in Washington’s 5th congressional district. Nethercutt served five terms and left the House in 2004, when he mounted an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate.
Nethercutt’s political career began in earnest in 1994 when he successfully challenged and defeated the then-Speaker of the House, Tom Foley, a significant and historic upset in American politics. This victory was a part of the larger GOP revolution that saw the Republican Party gain control of the House for the first time in 40 years. During his decade-long tenure in Congress, Nethercutt focused on various issues, including fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and national security.
After leaving the House of Representatives at the end of his term in January 2005, Nethercutt remained active in public service and political circles. He established the George Nethercutt Foundation, which aimed to inspire young people to appreciate civics and government service. The foundation sponsored civics knowledge tournaments for students and provided internships in Washington, D.C.
In 2022, despite battling progressive supranuclear palsy, Nethercutt’s foundation collaborated with the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University. Together, they endowed a speaker series focused on civil discourse and civics education.
After his congressional career, Nethercutt did not completely retire from politics. In 2005, he co-founded the political lobbying firm Lundquist, Nethercutt & Griles, LLC, alongside former Interior Department deputy secretary J. Steven Griles and former White House national energy policy director Andrew Lundquist. However, the firm faced a setback when Griles resigned in 2007 after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice related to the Abramoff scandal.
Nethercutt continued his public service and political influence through various roles. He served as Chairman of Nethercutt Consulting LLC, provided counsel for the law firms Bluewater Strategies and Lee & Hayes, and participated on several corporate boards. Nethercutt was also an accomplished author, having written “In Tune with America: Our History in Song,” and “Saving Patriotism: American Patriotism in a Global Era,” which aimed to educate and advocate for civic knowledge, particularly among millennials and Generation Z.
In addition to his literary contributions, Nethercutt wrote a monthly column for The Pacific Northwest Inlander newspaper and recorded radio commentaries for several stations, sharing his insights and perspectives on current events and historical contexts.
George Nethercutt’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions to American politics and his enduring commitment to public service and civic education. His unexpected victory over Tom Foley remains a defining moment in political history, symbolizing the power of grassroots movements and the shifting tides of political landscapes.
Rich Kuhling, a long-time friend and director of Nethercutt’s 1994 campaign, reflected on Nethercutt’s life, stating, “He had a high regard for our country and its institutions.” This sentiment was echoed by many who knew him, recognizing his dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of civics among the younger generations.
The news of Nethercutt’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes and condolences from political figures, community leaders, and residents of Spokane and beyond. His contributions to public service and his efforts to inspire civic engagement have left an indelible mark on many lives.
Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward remarked, “George Nethercutt was a pillar of our community and a champion for civic education. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to engage with and appreciate our democratic institutions.”
As the community mourns the loss of George R. Nethercutt, Jr., his life’s work continues to resonate through the initiatives he established and the impact he made in American politics. His dedication to public service, civic education, and community involvement serves as a lasting reminder of the power of commitment and the importance of fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.
