HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Reactions are pouring in, after news of John Dingell’s death, just days after he and his family announced he’d entered hospice.
Here are some:
Ottawa County GOP:
“John Dingell spent his entire life in the service of others, from his time in uniform to his years in #Congress. Tonight our prayers go out @RepDebDingell and the entire #Dingell family. Congressman Dingell will be missed.”
Rep. Fred Upton-R, St. Joseph:
“John Dingell’s colleagues – and I was proud to be one of them – were always educated, inspired, and in fact awed by him.
With John you always knew where you stood. If you disagreed you better have a damn good reason why. Simply reverting to rhetoric or the party line would not fly because he knew the issues ‘inside and out’ and always did his homework.”
John would outthink, outwork, and outfox nearly everyone.”
John was enormous in stature, integrity, and accomplishments. When he put his hand on your shoulder and spoke, you listened. Representing the great state of Michigan was truly a labor of love and John Dingell fiercely fought to support and rescue our auto industry in the toughest of times.”
There is a reason why a Dingell has represented Southeast Michigan for some 86 years. Their constituents know they always put country over everything else. They have all been chiseled from the same block of gold.”
My wife Amey and I want to express our deep condolences to his family. Especially his wife, and our good friend, Debbie during this difficult time.” In 2013, Upton named the Energy and Commerce Committee main hearing room the John D. Dingell Hearing Room. He served as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee from 1981-1994 and again from 2007-2008.”
Rep Bill Huizenga-R, Zeeland:
”John Dingell was a fierce advocate for Michigan and a titan of the House who worked with a servant’s heart. While there were areas where we disagreed, I had no doubt that John’s passion and positions were well founded. I will remember John as someone who always fought for the House of Representatives’ constitutional standing. My heart and prayers go out to Debbie and the entire Dingell family.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden:
“John Dingell was the Dean of the House. He earned that title — not just because he was there the longest — but because he led with great moral courage and vision. He was a friend and I will miss him terribly. Debbie is in my prayers.”
Former President Bill Clinton:
“For nearly 60 years, John Dingell represented the people of Michigan with honor, integrity & great good humor. There are few major legislative triumphs since 1955 that he didn’t have a key hand in passing. Hillary & I are grateful to have worked with him & called him our friend.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth-D, IL, military veteran and the first American female double amputee from the Iraq war
“Very sad news. @JohnDingell always sped by me in his scooter calling “keep up Tammy,” racing for the elevator to go cast our votes. I never won & always marveled at this great public servant who was also my arch nemesis in the wheelchair elevator wars.”
