Our Legacy Project has produced some outstanding biographies and oral histories since it began in 2008, and Thursday night in Seattle saw the official launch of its latest offering.

John C. Hughes, chief historian for The Legacy Project, has penned a new book about the long, influential political career of Slade Gorton. Entitled “Slade Gorton: A Half Century In Politics,” Hughes’ book goes back to the start of Gorton’s political career in Washington as a Republican state representative from Seattle in the late ‘50s, to his 12 years as state attorney general, then his three terms as a U.S. senator (including his defeats to Democrats Brock Adams and Maria Cantwell), his time on the 9/11 Commission, and finally, his work on the 2011 State Redistricting Commission, which is expected to release its final plans for new congressional and legislative districts very soon.

The book launch event at the Slade Gorton International Policy Center was emceed by Secretary Reed (shown above talking about the book while Slade and his wife, Sally, listen). Hughes, former Governor and U.S. Senator Dan Evans and Gorton himself spoke during the program. TVW says it will air the event Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Nov. 22 at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and then occasionally during the Thanksgiving weekend and the following week.

If you want to buy the new book about Gorton, you can purchase it for $37.50 (including shipping and handling) by visiting the Secretary of State Online Store. An electronic version is available online for free here.