[1] During his legislative career, he was one of the few council members who opposed the effort to reunite North Idaho with Washington State.

This led to a career in the field of journalism, where his reports as mine superintendent and state correspondent found wide audience.

He also dealt with a labor-management strike between miners and mine owners in the Coeur D'Alene region, ultimately declaring martial law, and calling in both the militia and federal troops.

Willey continued to serve as governor until 1893; he lost renomination in 1892 to William J. McConnell, who went on to win the general election.

In his later years, Willey became a resident of Shawnee County's poorhouse, and the state of Idaho eventually appropriated $1,200 as an unofficial pension to assist him in his old age.