AP

Jennifer Dunn

SEATTLE - Former Washington State Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn has died, her family announced Wednesday.

Dunn, 66, collapsed from a pulmonary embolism in her Alexandria, VA apartment and never regained consciousness.

"We're just trying to pull ourselves together," said son Reagan Dunn, a King County councilman. "It was a total shock."

Dunn represented Seattle's conservative eastside suburbs for six terms in Congress.

Related Content

Comment on Jennifer Dunn's legacy

What is pulmonary embolism ?

Family in shock

Dunn remembered on House floor

Dunn, who turned down a plea from President George W. Bush to run for the U.S. Senate in 2004, was known for her work on tax issues and promoting small and women-owned businesses. In 2002, she was a sponsor of legislation establishing nationwide coordination of the child abduction AMBER alert system.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire expressed her sadness at Dunn's passing.

"Jennifer Dunn was committed to serving the people of Washington and of the eighth district and was a leader in both Washington state and national politics. Her passing is a loss for all Washingtonians," she said. "She was a devoted wife and mother and always kept her family as her top priority. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time."

AP

Reagan Dunn, right, listens to some last-minute advice from his mother, former Republican U.S. Rep. Jennifer Dunn, in this 2005 file photo, before speaking at the King County Republican convention in Bellevue.

A spokesperson said the family has not yet made plans for her funeral, but a public memorial service is planned for the Seattle area - most likely next week.

Dunn's political career was a series of firsts:

- First woman to chair the Washington State Republican Party

- First freshman woman to win a place in the House Republican leadership team

- First woman to win the Tax Foundation's Annual Distinguished Service Award

Dunn grew up in Bellevue and attended the University of Washington and Stanford University, where she earned a degree in English literature.

On her retirement in 2004, President Bush said "She is a superb legislator and a strong leader who has stood for the best of Washington State's values and who has improved the lives of its people."

Washington Sen. Patty Murray said in a statement that she was "saddened by the sudden and tragic news of Jennifer Dunn's death.

"Over the years Jennifer and I partnered on projects ranging from the environment to health care; and despite our party differences we always worked hand-in-hand when it came to the best interests of our state.

"She will long be remembered for her work as a tireless advocate for the people of the 8th Congressional District. My heart goes out to her family and friends at this difficult time," she said.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell released a statement saying

"I am shocked and saddened to learn of Jennifer Dunn's passing. She was a great advocate for Washington state and the Republican party. Her name will long be associated with political leadership in Washington state.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to her husband and family."

AP

King County Sheriff Dave Reichert, Republican candidate for Congress, is joined by retiring Rep. Jennifer Dunn as he greets supporters in this Nov. 2, 2004 file photo, at the King County Republican election-night headquarters in Bellevue.

Congressman Dave Reichert, who now serves the 8th Congressional District, released a statement, saying in part, "When Jennifer asked me to run for the seat she was leaving, I was honored to follow such a fine lady and superb Member of Congress. I have always said I can only hope to fill Jennifer's shoes in Congress and I could not have asked for a better example than Jennifer Dunn."

"Jennifer was a true friend and mentor who was well-respected not only in the Eighth District, but all across the State of Washington, in Congress and nationally ... Everyone spoke of her integrity and their respect for her, and I found myself explaining not that I was Dave Reichert, but that I was hoping to be the new Jennifer Dunn. Jennifer was a dear friend, one you could always look to for encouragement and who I know genuinely cared about the people she served and that she worked with. The State of Washington and the country is a poorer place without Jennifer Dunn, and she will be greatly missed."

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., who succeeded Dunn as the state's senior Republican, called her a friend of 32 years and a "trailblazer."

As the first woman to chair the state GOP, Dunn led the party to significant gains in the Legislature, then repeated that feat in Congress, Hastings said.

When she was elected to the House in 1992, she was the only Republican in the nine-member delegation. Two years later, five more Republicans, including Hastings, joined her.

Dunn's greatest accomplishment in Congress -- and a focus of years of effort -- was cutting the inheritance tax, or what Dunn and other opponents called the death tax.

"She was a tireless advocate of that," Hastings said, adding that Dunn also should be remembered for the Amber Alert law and as a strong advocate of free trade. Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation.

Washington House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, called Dunn "one of the most charismatic leaders that we've ever had."

"She was very much an advocate for the people of her district and her state," he said. "There's not many leaders like her. I don't think we've seen a lot of people with her charisma and professionalism."

Former Senator Slade Gorton said he was shocked by the death of former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn.

"She was a major part of my life as she was a major part of the political life of the state of Washington," he told a Seattle radio station.

Gorton said Dunn was a Republican Party leader who encouraged his 1988 election when he returned to the Senate.

Gorton also said Dunn was a great personality, "outgoing and friendly and concerned."

Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed issued a statement, saying "Former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn was the ultimate stateswoman. Her unwavering dedication to public service had a profound impact on Washington and touched communities across the state. She will deeply be missed and celebrated for an extraordinary career that changed the future for women in politics. "

Bellevue Mayor Grant Deggingerm released a statement on behalf of the Bellevue City Council, saying “We are shocked and saddened to learn of Jennifer Dunn’s death.  Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to her family.  Jennifer will be remembered as an outstanding community leader who represented both her hometown and country with distinction.  Her accomplishments were many, and her dedication unsurpassed.  She leaves a legacy of great public service.”

Dunn is survived by her husband Keith Thomson and their sons, Bryant Dunn, Reagan Dunn, Angus Thomson and her daughter's in-law, Jessica Dunn and Paige Dunn and two grandchildren.