Washington State Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler issued the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. House Speaker Tom Foley:

“My prayers go out to Speaker Foley’s wife, Heather, and the rest of his family as they deal with this loss.

“As a Republican, I obviously didn’t agree with Speaker Foley on every issue, but what endeared him to many was the way he treated people with kindness and respect. I always appreciated the way he graciously treated me when I met him as a 4-H student visiting my congressman. That consideration extended to his staff, which was one of the most professional, top-notch staffs I have ever worked with.

“He will be sorely missed.”