Richard Foster (Alaska politician)

Neal Richard Foster^[1] (August 9, 1946 – October 13, 2009) was a Democratic member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing various districts centered on Nome, Alaska from 1989 until his death. Though a Democrat, he frequently caucused with the Republicans and served for a period of time as the Majority Whip.

He died of a heart attack while receiving treatment for kidney disease.^[2] His oldest son, Neal Foster, was appointed to replace him, and was elected to his own term in 2010.

At the time of his death, he was the second longest-serving member in the history of the Alaska House, behind Carl Moses, who also represented western Alaska (Max Gruenberg surpassed his tenure in October 2015). He was also a second-generation member of the Alaska Legislature; his father, Neal W. "Willie" Foster (1916-1979), served one term apiece in the Alaska Senate representing Nome before and following statehood.

• List of Native American politicians

• Alaska State Legislature - Representative Richard Foster
• Project Vote Smart - Representative Richard Foster (AK) profile
• Follow the Money - Richard Foster
  • 2006 2004 2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 campaign contributions
• Richard Foster at 100 Years of Alaska's Legislature