INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Lee Hamilton.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of a giant in Hoosier Democratic politics. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton had a tremendous impact on our state and our country, served Southern Indiana as a champion for working families, and shaped foreign policy in Congress for decades. Our thoughts are with the family of Congressman Hamilton and the entire Southern Indiana Democratic community.”
“Rep. Hamilton’s legacy of service continues to reverberate, and his leadership continues to be a shining example of how legislators should serve their constituents in Congress. He exemplified public service in his responsiveness and ability to work across the aisle, even on the most important issues. Through his work on the Iran-contra scandal, the 9/11 Commission, and the Iraq Study Group, Rep. Hamilton fought so the American people would always have a transparent look at their government. It may be impossible to fill the shoes that Rep. Hamilton walked in, but his legacy has never been more important at a time when political divides continue to grow. May we carry on Rep. Hamilton’s vision of leadership that isn’t afraid of working across the aisle, even when it may be politically inconvenient,” Tallian said.
In addition to the statement from Chair Tallian, Ninth District Democratic Party Chair Adam Dickey also released the following statement.
“Today we are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and mentor, former Congressman Lee H. Hamilton. His accomplishments – whether in the halls of Congress, in the world of foreign affairs and international relations, as a lawyer and in civic life, or as a scholar and academic – will long be celebrated and serve to illustrate the model of a true American Statesman. He was a defining figure in Indiana politics and specifically for our 9th Congressional District and Democratic Party.
“But Lee’s most profound impact will always be as a friend and mentor, and I am proud to have been blessed to call him both. Whether as a young kid witnessing his care and concern for others, as a role model instructing our system of governance, or as a mentor who would help navigate political opportunities and challenges, he never lost sight of what truly matters – the bond we share to each other.
“Whether as a confidant to presidents or a mentor to those of us here at home, Lee genuinely cared for those he served and worked to make our world a better place. Indeed, it is fitting that one of my last contacts with him in the past few months was to arrange an opportunity for him to mentor young leaders just starting their path as community servants.
“I and our party extend our deepest sympathies to the Hamilton family, as well as his extended family and friends during this difficult time,” Dickey said.
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