A Message from Hillary Clinton on the Death of Stephanie Tubbs Jones

I just received the message below from Hillary Clinton expressing her thoughts and feelings on the death of Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

Dear Virginia,

Yesterday, we lost a colleague, a friend, an inspiration, and a champion for all of us. I am deeply saddened by the death of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She was my friend and my sister. She made me laugh, smile and fired up my spirit when I needed it most.

She had a light that shone for the world to see within her and a fighting spirit safely stowed behind her disarming smile. Stephanie had so much integrity and a fiery intelligence that enabled her to become a one-woman force for progress in our country.

Stephanie was a tireless worker, giving a voice to the voiceless and always combating injustice. Stephanie spent much of her life fighting for all Americans and to ensure that everyone had the most precious right - the right to vote.

All of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her can only strive to be as much like her as we can -- to be as passionate, as loyal, as hard-charging, and as joyful every single day.

Stephanie was one of a kind, and we will miss our friend forever.

My family's deepest condolences are with Stephanie's son, Mervyn, her family, and her many loved ones, friends, supporters, and her beloved Ohioans. It is during this tough time that we look back and remember all the memories and blessings that Stephanie brought into our lives. If you have a thought, a story, a prayer, or condolences you would like to share, you can visit our website today so we can rejoice together in the friendship and love that we have for Stephanie. All the notes and memories we gather will be sent to her family on behalf of our extended family.

Send in your thoughts and memories about Stephanie.

Thank you,

Hillary

In Memory of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Photo credits: Kent.edu

On March 1, 2008, my post at Katalusis featured Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones and linked to theRoots.com, where Jones eloquently explains her dedication to the candidacy of Hillary Clinton:

“Many people do not understand what it means to truly support a candidate. It is more than a bumper sticker, or a yard sign, or even attending a campaign event. By supporting a candidate, you are making a commitment to that candidate. I made that commitment to Hillary to support her through thick and thin, not to be a fair-weather friend only to leave her when the going gets tough.”

Guilda and Geeklove have produced a heart-warming video commemorating the life of Stephanie Tubbs Jones to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude. Watch the video here.

Ohio Congresswoman Affirms Her Support for Clinton

Photo credits: Kent.edu

Despite pressure in the run-up to Tuesday’s primary, Ohio congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones has affirmed her support for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton:

In yesterday’s edition of theRoots.com, Jones declares:

“Many people do not understand what it means to truly support a candidate. It is more than a bumper sticker, or a yard sign, or even attending a campaign event. By supporting a candidate, you are making a commitment to that candidate. I made that commitment to Hillary to support her through thick and thin, not to be a fair-weather friend only to leave her when the going gets tough.

“I have spent over 26 years in public office working for the people of Ohio and working within the Democratic Party. I have gone door-to-door handing out pamphlets for candidates, stayed up late making phone calls and raising money for candidates - including Barack Obama's Senate campaign through the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. After 26 years in public office, I would hope that my constituents would respect my judgment and my choice to support Hillary Rodham Clinton, just as I respect their decision to support the candidate of their choice.

Jones, who represents Ohio’s 11 Congressional District, which includes Cleveland, concluded her remarks with these strong words:

“In politics all you have is your word. And I have never been one to fold when the cards are not being played in my favor. True integrity is measured when the times get tough. There is no doubt that Hillary's campaign is facing tough times, but I made a commitment to her, and I will support her all the way.”

To read Jones’ entire statement in theRoots.com, go here.