Former U.S. Congressman Jack Metcalf dies at 79

[flamingyouth]

LANGLEY, Wash. -- Former U.S. U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf died Thursday, his family's pastor, Matt Chambers said. He was 79.

Metcalf's death was first reported by the South Whidbey Record, which was contacted by Chambers on behalf of Metcalf's family. Cause of death was not immediately available.

Chambers did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.

State Rep. Chris Strow, R-Clinton, who spent five years as Metcalf's congressional aide, told the AP that Metcalf was surrounded by his family when he died.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Obit_Metcalf.html

[Fenris]

1. We could use a few like him.

Judging from the Republican crop we have now.

[JetCityLiberal]

2. I spent 15 long months dealing with his staff

over an immigration issue that should have been a no brain-er, it was ridiculous. Finally went to see Patty Murray and her staff had it resolved in two weeks.

We don't need any more like him ever imho.

Condolences to the family.

[pscot]

3. Metcalf was a decent man

He taught school for thirty years before he went into politics. He was a Goldwater conservative, but he wasn't crazy or an ideologue. He liked people and was well regarded by those who knew him. He tried to do the right thing as he understood it, and he was willing to buck the Party if he thought they were wrong. He'd been battling alzheimers for the last five years. Rest in peace, Jack.