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Slade Gorton
- 2010 First Citizen News Release (136 kb pdf)
- Slade Gorton Biography (236 kb pdf)
While best-known for a half-century career in politics, the 72nd Seattle-King County First Citizen also counts military service, lawyer, member of the 9/11 Commission, college instructor, runner, and grandfather among his achievements. In recognition of an exceptional public service career and his dedication to various community and nonprofit interests, former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton will be honored at a civic banquet on May 27, 2010.
The First Citizen Award, created in 1939, celebrates community leadership, volunteerism and public service. Past recipients hail from humanitarian organizations, charitable and educational institutions, arts groups, environmental causes and other civic endeavors.
Past recipient James R. Ellis, who was honored in 1968, praised the selection of the 81-year old Bellevue resident. “Slade Gorton’s footprints are large on the paths of progress in King County, the State of Washington and the United States,” he remarked, adding, “As Majority Leader of the State House of Representatives, he passed an 18 bill legislative miracle for Forward Thrust. As State Attorney General, Slade took legal action that saved major league baseball for Seattle. As a United States Senator, he successfully preserved thousands of acres of forest land to create the Mountains to Sound Greenway across the Cascades. Each of these efforts was a historic walk-off home run for the public.”
Gorton’s dedication to public service dates to 1959 when he began a 10-year stint in the Washington State House of Representatives. He currently serves in an of counsel position with K&L Gates, having joined the firm in 2001.
In 1969, Gorton was sworn in as the state’s Attorney General, a post he would hold for three terms. During his tenure, he argued 14 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, prompting commendations from the Chief Justice. “[Slade Gorton] makes the best arguments before the Supreme Court of any Attorney General in America,” Chief Justice Warren Burger stated.
While Gorton’s legacy as state Attorney General also includes the distinction of being a staunch “friend of the consumer,” he is remembered by sports fans across the state for “Saving the Mariners.” He sued the American League successfully in 1970 to keep baseball in Seattle.
One of Gorton’s successors as state Attorney General heaped praise on him. Commenting on plans to honor Gorton as 2010 First Citizen, current AG Rob McKenna said, "Few leaders in Washington's history have contributed as much to our state and its people as Senator Slade Gorton. He served as a distinguished leader in the state legislature. He was recognized by his peers and by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court as the finest Attorney General in America during his 12 years in that role. And Slade was an impact player in the U.S. Senate, rising to the rank of Counsel to the Majority Leader. Since leaving the Senate, he has continued to distinguish himself as an effective leader, serving on the 9/11 Commission and in many other key positions. More than 50 years ago, Slade and Sally Gorton chose to make Washington their home. We all are fortunate that they did."
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