Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Foley had an `` unrivaled ability '' to build consensus and find common ground in the House . NEW : Washington lauds Tom Foley 's ` ` skill , saying ' Foley was a Democrat who represented Washington state in the House for 30 years . After his tenure on Capitol Hill , he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan . Current House Speaker John Boehner described him as ` ` forthright and warmhearted ''
NEW : Washington lauds Tom Foley 's ` ` skill , saying ' Foley was a Democrat who represented Washington state in the House for 30 years . After his tenure on Capitol Hill , he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan . Current House Speaker John Boehner described him as ` ` forthright and warmhearted ''