Critic of Reagan’s economic policies

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Former Washington Gov. Mike Lowry, a Democrat who served in Congress for a decade, died Monday after complications from a stroke. He was 78.

Lowry, who was elected to one term as governor in 1992, was “a passionate defender of fairness for people and the environment,” according to a news release from his family.

“Mike was known as a courageous leader who was often willing to take early stands on sometimes controversial issues, and this courage, plus his straightforward nature, garnered respect from those in all political parties,” the statement said.

Lowry was a leading Democratic critic of President Ronald Reagan’s economic policies, even when they were wildly popular, and also fought against the arms buildup and restrictions on abortions.

Lowry was on the House Budget Committee and worked on wilderness and marine sanctuary legislation and other issues.

Gov. Jay Inslee said Lowry “served with compassion and humility.”

“He had a big heart and cared deeply about the people of this state,” Inslee said in a statement.

In 1978, Lowry was elected to Washington’s 7th Congressional District, which includes Seattle. He was easily re-elected four times.

Lowry gave up his safe House seat to run for an open 1988 Senate post but lost to Republican Slade Gorton. He returned to Seattle and became a government professor at Seattle University and worked on a number of civic projects, including serving as chairman of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition.

He decided to run for governor when Gov. Booth Gardner retired. Lowry defeated state House Speaker Joe King for the Democratic nomination and went on to beat Republican Attorney General Ken Eikenberry in 1992.

Lowry