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Tom FoleyAmerican lawyer and politician
Date of Birth: 06.03.1929
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Thomas Foley: A Distinguished Life in Politics and Law
- Legal Career
- Political Career
- Diplomatic Service
- Later Years
- Legacy
Thomas Foley: A Distinguished Life in Politics and Law
Early Life and EducationThomas Foley was born in Spokane, Washington, and completed his education at Gonzaga Preparatory School and Gonzaga University in Spokane. He furthered his studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 and a Juris Doctorate in 1957.
Legal Career
After completing his legal studies, Foley entered private practice and served as an assistant prosecutor for Spokane County. He also taught at Gonzaga University School of Law and worked in the Washington State Attorney General's Office.
Political Career
In 1964, Foley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat representing Washington's 5th District. He was re-elected 14 times before losing in 1995.
During his time in the House, Foley held various leadership positions, including majority whip (1978) and majority leader (1987). In 1989, he became Speaker of the House, the first speaker from west of the Rocky Mountains. He also became the first Speaker since the Civil War to lose his post in an election.
Diplomatic Service
In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed Foley as Ambassador to Japan, a position he held until 2001.
Later Years
After leaving the diplomatic service, Foley served as the North American Chairman of the Trilateral Commission from 2001 to 2008. In 2003, he was awarded the Washington State Medal of Merit, the state's highest honor.
Legacy
Thomas Foley passed away in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 2013, after suffering a series of strokes and pneumonia. He was a respected and influential figure in American politics and law, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and public service.
