Tom Lantos (CA-12) has passed away from complications related to esophageal cancer. Lantos was born in Hungary and escaped The Holocaust. He was serving as the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (sometimes referred to as the International Affairs Committee). Based on seniority that important position will probably fall to Howard Berman (CA-28) from North Hollywood.
Steve Clemons has some timely remarks on Lantos. He was far too one-sided in his support of Israel for my tastes, but I could understand why he was so passionate about the issues in the Middle East and I thought he was an outstanding representative in all other respects.
He served his adopted country with tremendous distinction and thoughtfulness. I expect Jackie Speier to take over this seat and hold it for a long time.
