September 05, 2007
Ohio Republican Paul Gillmor Dies
UPDATED.
Rep. Paul Gillmor, R-Ohio, was found dead in his apartment by staffers this morning, The Hill reports. Sources suspect the 68-year-old lawmaker suffered a heart attack. The Capitol Police Department is currently investigating the case.
House Minority Leader John Boehner, a fellow Ohio Republican, announced Gillmor's death on the House floor around 1 p.m. and said the chamber would pay tribute to him later in the afternoon. Boehner also released a statement on the congressman's passing, calling him "a good friend and a trusted colleague who served his constituents with honor for nearly two decades."
The Columbus Dispatch has more reactions from the Ohio delegation and a comprehensive look back on Gillmor's career in state and federal politics. AP is also following the story as it develops.
Jo Ann Davidson, co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee and a "longtime veteran of Ohio politics," extended her condolences on behalf of the GOP in a statement this afternoon. "For Paul, the question was never ‘what is good for me?’" she wrote. "It was always ‘what is good for my constituents, Ohio, and my country?’"
Gillmor's constituents in northwest Ohio elected him to serve as their representative in the House 10 times since 1988, including his easy re-election last year. The Old Fort, Ohio, native served in the U.S. Air Force and spent 22 years in the Ohio Senate. He is survived by his wife, Karen, and five children.
The Almanac of American Politics (subscription) has more information on Gillmor's life and career.
