Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:
“I am saddened by the passing of my friend and former colleague, Congressman Jim McDermott. My thoughts are with his family, friends, former staff and the people of Seattle he represented for so many years.
“Jim was in his 7th term when I was elected to Congress. He gave me an early lesson in hard work that was straight to the point, hard to hear and has stuck with me to this day.
“When I asked Jim for an endorsement for my first race, Jim looked at me straight in the eye and said simply, “Rick, you are not the golden boy. You need to make yourself the golden boy.” Great advice in politics: work hard on the campaign, on your issues, on your goals, and eventually people will come to your side.
“Jim devoted his life to public service as a physician, a Navy psychiatrist, a member of the Washington legislature and, for 14 terms, a representative in the House.
“Washington has lost a dedicated public servant and tireless voice for people who often go unheard. We could all use a Jim McDermott in our corner.”
