SEATTL -- Former KIRO 7 News political commentator Walt Crowley passed away Friday evening following a stroke at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle.

In May of 1986, the liberal Crowley teamed with conservative John Carlson for a long running series of political commentaries called “Point-Counterpoint,” on KIRO 7.

Crowley, his wife Maria, and longtime friend Paul Dorpat founded historylink.org, an internet site devoted to the history and culture of Seattle and King County. The site attracts 6,000 visitors a day.

Crowley was a writer, political candidate and a political advisor to many mayors and governors.

Crowley was a good friend to many here at KIRO and will be missed.

Crowley was 60 years old.