OLYMPIA — State Rep. Steve Hailey has died, almost exactly one year after he announced he was battling colon cancer.
Hailey’s death early this morning at age 63 was announced by House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, who said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of the Republican legislator from Mesa, in Franklin County north of the Tri-Cities.
Hailey, a farmer and rancher, had announced earlier this month that he would resign from the Legislature to focus on his cancer treatment. He planned to officially step down Jan. 11 — one day before the Legislature will open its new session in Olympia. He was elected to his first term in 2006.
Local Republican officials will choose three nominees to replace him, with the finalist selected by county commissioners in the district.
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