OLYMPIA…Today the Washington State Senate passed a bipartisan resolution honoring former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton. Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt, who represents the 16th Legislative District, sponsored the resolution.

“Senator Gorton offers us a tremendous example of what it means to be a true statesman,” said Hewitt. “I have learned a great deal from him about what it means to lead. It’s been a privilege to get to know Senator Gorton over the years and watch him serve the people of our state and our country.”
Gorton was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1958, rising to become majority leader. He served three terms as the state’s attorney general and three terms in the U.S. Senate. He also served on the 9-11 Commission and Washington’s Redistricting Commission, and has been a leader in conservation issues. Gorton’s legacy of service continues through the Slade Gorton International Policy Center and the informal Gorton School of Public Affairs.

“At this point in their careers, many would be found on the golf course or in their RV,” Hewitt said. “Senator Gorton was found on the 9-11 Commission and just wrapped up a gritty, year-long redistricting commission process. Senator Gorton, I salute you. Your leadership is magnificent!”
Senate Resolution 8671 says, in part:

“Whereas, the civic accomplishments born of Senator Gorton's energy, drive, and talent, extend throughout this state, to every corner, where such work is clearly evidenced;“Now, therefore, be it resolved that it is with the greatest respect, that the Washington State Senate honor the accomplishments of a statesman of outstanding courage, who represented our state with integrity, dignity, determination, and conviction, whose leadership so enriched our great state and its citizens, who has given Washingtonians a full life in service, our former House Majority Leader, Attorney General, and United States Senator, whose wisdom serves us still, Slade Gorton.”