Tait was nominated by President Clinton to become one Idaho's two U.S. District judges in 1994, but his confirmation was blocked by then-Idaho GOP Sens. Larry Craig and Dirk Kempthorne, who said he was unqualified. The American Bar Association found Tait qualified, but after Republicans won control of the Senate in November 1994 his nomination was dropped.
In his place, Clinton nominated B. Lynn Winmill, who was confirmed and remains a district judge.
Tait was suggested to Clinton by then-Congressman Larry LaRocco, who was the highest-ranking Idaho Democrat in 1994. Tait had served as LaRocco's campaign treasurer. LaRocco lost his bid for a third term in 1994, as Republicans won the House under the leadership of Newt Gingrich.
A death notice published Friday in the Lewiston Tribune said Tait died Wednesday.
Tait was a graduate of Columbia College in New York and Vanderbilt law school. He was an Army counterintelligence special agent and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and he Nez Perce Tribal and Coeur d'Alene tribal courts.
Tait served on numerous regional, state and local boards, including the Lewiston Historic Preservation Commission, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center Foundation, Idaho Housing Agency, and Lewiston Independent Foundation for Education.
A member of the Lewiston firm Keeton & Tait, Tait was an expert in worker's compensation law and a special deputy attorney general for the Bureau of Child Support.
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My Condolences for a such a respectable & achieved man
Definitely a loss to all. I wonder what GOP Sens. Larry Craig and Dirk Kempthorne think of the outcome of most of the cases that go before another just as honerable man, Judge Lynn Winmill? Especially when it comes to public lands cases in Idaho. It's apparent that Craig & Kempthorne were looking for a political hack and rubber stamp Lackey, and that's not the case you find with either of these two Justices. I am sorry for John Tait that he never became the US District Judge he was more than qualified to be, but equally, my faith and hope in the US Justice System is always reinforced whenever a case goes before Honorable Judge Lynn Winmill.
John Tait
John was a friend and advisor, a stalwart of suppport in the Lewiston Community, and someone we all will miss.
My thoughts go out to Tina, one of the few female physicians in Lewiston when we moved to town. To daughters Mary and Gretchen and their families as well.
John was a good man and a great friend.
John Rusche
condolences
A great man. RIP John.
John Tait
A long time ago, in a different era, John served as a friend and advisor. He was dedicated to service and Idaho. Gay & I send our condolences to his family.
Jan Hammer
Godspeed John
John was an amazing mentor to me over the years. Initially he was just a friend's father, but later on he was one of the main reasons I became passionate about advocating for my political beliefs and remained a friend and mentor as I became an "adult" and established in my career.
My heart goes out to his family during this very difficult time.
Brie Stoianoff
A Great Friend
John was a great friend, attorney and community activist. He served on the Idaho Legal Aid Board of Directors for many years. He founded legal aid in Lewiston before there was any funding for it. It began as a pro bono program. We will all miss him. My thoughts are with his family. Thank you John for being such a dear friend. Ernie Sanchez