Indiana Democratic Party mourns passing of former Congressman Lee Hamilton
Submitted by Indiana Democratic Party
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian released the following statement on Wednesday, Feb. 4 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.”
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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.”
Braun
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags lowered to half-staff in honor of former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton
Submitted by Office Gov. Mike Braun
Governor Mike Braun has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton, who died on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Representative Hamilton served Indiana’s 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999.
“Indiana mourns the passing of Lee Hamilton, a man whose life embodied integrity, civility, and public service,” Gov. Braun said. “We extend our prayers to his family and honor his legacy of serving Hoosiers.”
Braun has ordered flags to be lowered statewide at all state facilities immediately until sunset on the day of his internment, which will be shared once public. He encourages all Hoosiers to help honor Hamilton by lowering flags to half-staff at their homes and businesses.
Young
Sen. Young: “Indiana lost a giant” in Lee Hamilton
Submitted by Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young
U.S. Senator Todd Young released this statement on X on Wednesday, Feb. 4, on the passing of former Congressman Lee Hamilton.
“Indiana lost a giant today. Lee Hamilton was a statesman, a respected voice on national security, and a strong advocate for Hoosiers. He was also a friend, an insightful writer, and a unique voice on the institution of Congress.
“My deepest condolences to Lee’s family and loved ones as they celebrate his remarkable life.”
Former Senator & Ambassador Joe Donnelly mourns passing of Lee Hamilton
Donnelly
Submitted
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, former United States Senator for Indiana and former Ambassador to the Holy See Joe Donnelly released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Lee Hamilton.
“All Hoosiers mourn the loss of Congressman Lee Hamilton. He was a giant in our country, and made our nation a wiser, stronger, and kinder place. Lee Hamilton was a mentor to me when I served in Congress, and he also touched the lives of thousands of people while he was at Indiana University. He always gave of himself to others.
“My family’s sympathies go out to the Hamilton family. Congressman Lee Hamilton was a great American, a proud Hoosier, and we know he is with his wife Nancy in the arms of a loving God.”