BELLEVUE – Chairman Heimlich released the following statement in regards to the passing of Senator Slade Gorton:

“Washington lost a great man today. Slade Gorton was a true statesmen who genuinely cared about the people he was elected to represent. He stood strong for what he believed in but knew and embodied the importance of civility in deliberations.  From his military career to his service in the United States Senate, Slade was a giant among his peers who fought for what was right and all Washingtonians are better off today for his commitment to our great state. I am honored to have known him and called him a friend and a mentor – his exemplary leadership and expertise will be remembered for decades to come.”