Rep. Jo Ann Davis of Virginia’s First District has passed away from breast cancer, according to Roll Call. My sympathies go out to her friends and family.
In a somewhat classless move, her 2006 opponent released the following statement:
“I wish to extend my sympathy to Representative Jo Ann Davis’ family in their time of sorrow.
Ms. Davis’ passing is sad and a tragic reminder that work is still needed in finding a cure for cancer and other diseases that continue to unnecessarily cost human lives. Unfortunately, earlier this year President Bush proposed cutting funding for cancer research by $40 million and cutting government funds for other major health programs and services by hundreds of millions of dollars hurting countless Americans.
In this time of sadness, let us all recall the words of the ancient hymn and prayer of comfort and support, “May the angels lead you to paradise, and may the martyrs greet you on your arrival …”
It would probably be better to wait until after the funeral to start getting political. Having said that, this will create one more open seat for the Republicans to defend. It’s a red district (Bush – 60.11% Kerry – 39.17%), but it isn’t beyond reach.