It’s difficult for people acclimated to one-party rule to understand the political earthquake that shook the State of Washington in 1994, and there was no bigger symbol of that than the Jimmy-Stewart like Spokane lawyer George Nethercutt defeating the 30-year incumbent Speaker of the House, Tom Foley. 

The shocking victory grabbed national headlines and established Nethercutt as a political David capable of slaying giants. Even if you didn't share Nethercutt's politics, one had to recognize his everyman appeal and the symbolic power of his story. 

When I worked in broadcasting, I had the opportunity to interview him a handful of times and to set up interviews for others. There was no denying his likeability. Some people just have it and he was one of them. I think that’s why when you read through memorial posts of those who knew him you see that word pop up time and again.  Kindness and character. Two things long-time politicians are not supposed to be, but Nethercutt’s real-life “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” adventure informed us that sometimes it happened.

His passion for civic engagement was abundant, so it made sense that George Nethercutt was extensively involved in Washington Policy Center and its work. Like Washington Policy Center, George recognized the power of policy to improve lives or make them more difficult and was resolved to improve them.

“George Nethercutt was a staunch advocate for the Washington Policy Center and the free-market policies it promotes.  He was our direct link to the U.S. Congress and was always available to help WPC when called upon,” explained Greg Porter, Chair of WPC’s Board of Directors. “He was a committed supporter and served on WPC’s board of directors, our Eastern Washington Advisory Board, and was active on several committees. Our great state of Washington and our country are much better places due to our blessing of having George Nethercutt be a part of them.”

George’s long contacts and friendships in Washington D.C. helped bring some of the nation’s top thought-leaders to speak at WPC’s annual dinner events. It was thanks to George that WPC first brought the Hon. J.C. Watts to keynote our annual event and it was thanks to George that former Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Senator Joe Lieberman, delivered a keynote presentation on choice in education, a presentation that Nethercutt moderated in 2018 (see the video below).

A few years later, in 2021, George was named Washington Policy Center’s Champion of Freedom.  By then the tall, lanky, confident man had lost some of his mobility, vision and speech and, with the aid of Mary Beth, his wife of more than 44 years, he appeared via video at a WPC Dinner one last time to accept the award.

Despite all the hardships his rare neurodegenerative brain disease could hit him with, he was still smiling. He still had his sense of humor, jabbing the other Eastern Washington Congressional District as the second-best one, and assured us he maintained his 6-day a week physical workouts.  

George lived life as a gift to share with others. His passion for civic engagement was his way of passing on the blessings and advantages he saw all around him as opportunities for everyone. His stamp on Washington State was extensive, but his stamp on so many leaders and future leaders, was even more so.

We honor the passing of our friend, George Nethercutt and we offer our condolences to his family and hope his memory, his voice and his smile remain ever vivid for all who loved him.