By Associated Press PUBLISHED: 12:15 EST, 18 October 2013 | UPDATED: 12:58 EST, 18 October 2013 Former House Speaker Tom Foley has died at the age of 84, according to House Democratic sources. Foley was a Washington state lawmaker who became the first speaker since the Civil War who failed to win re-election in his home district. The courtly politician lost his seat in the 'Republican Revolution' of 1994. The Democrat had never served a single day in the minority. Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tom Foley speaks after receiving the Medal of Merit during ceremonies in 2003. He died today aged 84, according to Democratic sources in Washington
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Tom Foley, a Washington state lawmaker, was honored by both sides today
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House speak John Boehner said: 'Forthright and warmhearted, Tom Foley endeared himself not only to the wheat farmers back home but also colleagues on both sides of the aisle'
But he spent the most time in the @placeholder, serving 30 years including more than five as speaker.