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Tribute to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Remembrances from Colleagues and Friends

From Governor Ted Strickland:
"Frances and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Congresswomen Stephanie Tubbs Jones. We served together in the Congress, where I witnessed her passionate and selfless commitment to her constituents. I am grateful for the opportunity to have called Stephanie my colleague, and I am proud to have called her my friend. Stephanie was a strong, courageous and compassionate advocate for the poor and vulnerable."

From Senator Barack Obama:

"Stephanie was an extraordinary American and an outstanding public servant. It wasn't enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind - and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate. It was an honor to serve with Stephanie in Congress, and I know her legacy will live on in all those who walk the trails she blazed and walk through the doors she opened."

From Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton:
"Stephanie's friendship meant the world to us, a friendship that deepened through every trial and challenge. We could always count on her to be a shoulder on which to lean, an ear to bend, a voice to reassure. Over the course of many years, with many ups and many downs, Stephanie was right by our side-unwavering, indefatigable."

From Senator George Voinovich (R-OH):
"Janet and I are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our friend Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. Stephanie was a conscientious public servant, full of life and enthusiastic about her work for the citizens of Ohio's 11th district, including my family. I always marveled at the astounding positivity with which she lived her life after facing such personal challenges over the years. Although we came from different sides of the aisle politically, Stephanie and I collaborated on numerous issues over the years, most recently coming together to bring much needed relief to Ohio homeowners suffering from the foreclosure crisis. I am going to miss her as a friend and colleague, and her leadership will most certainly be missed by her constituents, Northeast Ohio and the state as a whole."

From Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH):
"I have lost not just a colleague; I have lost a real friend. Stephanie was that rare person who filled whatever room she entered, whether she was in our home for dinner or leading a crowd of thousands at the Cleveland Convention Center. She was beloved to Connie and me, and to our children. I cannot imagine the House of Representatives without Stephanie Tubbs Jones."

From DNC chairman Howard Dean: "Stephanie was a true American hero and inspiring leader, having spent a lifetime breaking barriers and standing up for her values. Just last week I was honored to have Stephanie join me on the campaign trail in Ohio where, as always, her infectious energy, enthusiasm and passion uplifted the crowd. Her voice will be greatly missed. "This is a great loss for our Party and our nation."

From Congressman Stephen LaTourette (R-OH):

"Everyone thinks all we do in Washington is fight and that Republicans and Democrats never get along, but Stephanie was my dear, dear friend for more than 20 years, dating back to our days as county prosecutors."

Ohio Democratic Party chairman Chris Redfern:
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a gifted trailblazer with a spirit as big as the city she loved. Her incredible legacy will never fade from our memories."

From House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.), a former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus:
"Whether you were a presidential candidate, a colleague debating on the floor or a friend passing time, you wanted her on your team for her quick legal mind, tenacious debating skills, her infectious humor and that thousand watt smile. My heart is heavy. She was larger than life and we will all greatly miss the Gentlewoman from Cleveland."

From House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Illinois.):
"I'm lucky enough to say that Stephanie was more than a colleague - she was a friend. Her son Merv was a student in my mother-in-law's fifth grade classroom and I was honored when she invited me to visit her home state and meet with Ohio Democrats. I'm grateful that I will have the memory of her boundless spirit and energy."

From Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA):
"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was not only my colleague but she was my friend. She was a genuine spirit. It didn't matter if you were a close friend or a complete stranger, her infectious smile radiated warmth and complete acceptance. My prayers are with her family, friends, constituents and staff. A beacon of light on the Hill, her death leaves a void not easily filled." Sherrod Brown, United States Senator for Ohio
Cuyahoga County Commissoner Peter Lawson Jones
Former Ohio Senator C.J. Prentiss
Cleveland Municipal Judge Larry Jones
Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz
Congressman Steven LaTourette
Cleveland City Councilman Roosevelt Coats