National, state leaders mourn U.S. Rep. Tubbs Jones

NOTE: Amid conflicting news reports of Tubbs Jones' death, some offices sent condolences earlier today.

State and national leaders are reacting to the passing of U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama: 

“She is a passionate and tireless advocate for the people of Cleveland and a devoted public servant for all Americans. We send our heartfelt prayers to Stephanie and her family at this very difficult time.”

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton:

"Stephanie is a strong, remarkable woman with an incredible fighting spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with my dear friend Stephanie and her family at this difficult time," Clinton said after news of Tubbs Jones aneurysm and hospitalization.

Gov. Ted Strickland: 

“Frances and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Congresswomen Stephanie Tubbs Jones.  We served together in the Congress, where I witnessed her passionate and selfless commitment to her constituents.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have called Stephanie my colleague, and I am proud to have called her my friend.  Our friendship deepened during the long primary season as we worked together for Senator Clinton.  Stephanie was a strong, courageous and compassionate advocate for the poor and vulnerable.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the people of Ohio’s 11th Congressional District during this difficult time.”

State House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus):

"Stephanie Tubbs Jones was one of the most compassionate, most dedicated and most talented individuals I have had the pleasure to work with and call a friend. She fought for the vulnerable and stood up for the rights of every citizen. Her optimism and her heart were displayed everyday in her service to her constituents, her communities and the nation. She opened doors for African-Americans everywhere, and her legacy will endure.

"Otto and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Congresswoman's family and friends. This is a very sad day for us and a very sad day for the people of Cleveland and all Ohioans."

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern:

"Today, I join the people of Cleveland in mourning the passing of a great and wonderful public servant. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a gifted trailblazer with a spirit as big as the city she loved.  Her incredible legacy will never fade from our memories."

Ohio Republican Party chairman Bob Bennett:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I've known Stephanie for more than 25 years, and though we held different political views I always respected her and considered her to be one of Ohio's most admired public servants. On behalf of the Ohio Republican Party I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Stephanie's family."

State Treasurer Richard Cordray:

"This is a tragic blow for the people of Cleveland and for all of Ohio. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was a first-rate judge and prosecutor and as a Congresswoman, she was a lioness for her district. She had a glow about her that made everyone around her light up. She was loved and will be sorely missed. "

DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen:

"I’m deeply saddened by today’s news. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a champion for the residents of the greater Cleveland area and a tireless voice for Ohio. My deepest sympathy goes out to her son and to her extended family. She will be sorely missed by the Ohio Congress.

“Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a courageous voice for equality and a fierce advocate for her constituents.  As the first African American woman to represent Ohio in Congress and a preeminent voice in the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones spent every day working to make America a more perfect union.  

“Whether it was her fight to keep families from losing their homes to foreclosure or to ensure that every vote is counted in our elections, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones approached every battle with passion, grace, and determination.     

“On behalf of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, I extend my deepest condolences to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones’ son Mervyn, her entire family, many friends, and her constituents in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District.  I hope it is of some comfort that the thoughts and prayers of so many are with them at this difficult time.”

U.S. Rep. Deb Pryce (R-Columbus):

“Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a dear friend, a dignified legislator, and an effective, passionate advocate for her northeast Ohio constituents.  Her passing is tragic beyond words.  As the first African American to represent Ohio in Congress, Stephanie was a trailblazer in politics and a role model for African Americans and women alike.  My thoughts and prayers go out to her sister, Barbara Walker, and to her wonderful son, Mervyn, who has lost a devoted and loving mother as committed to family as she was to public service.”

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Cincinnati):

“It is with the deepest sadness that I learn of the passing of my colleague and friend Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a true leader who worked tirelessly to represent the people of Cleveland and Ohio.

"As Ohio’s first African American member of Congress she broke a barrier and earned the respect and gratitude of everyone she touched. I truly counted her as a friend and enjoyed the time we spent working together for the people of Ohio. I will miss her warm smile, dedication, and character.

"Ohio and the United States Congress have lost one of its best. I wish to express my sincere condolences to her family, staff and constituents; I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green):

"We are deeply saddened with the passing of Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones. As the first African-American Congresswoman from Ohio, she was a true leader for all to admire and we will miss her greatly as a friend and colleague. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time."

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-St. Clairsville):

“I’m deeply saddened by today’s news. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a champion for the residents of the greater Cleveland area and a tireless voice for Ohio. My deepest sympathy goes out to her son and to her extended family. She will be sorely missed by the Ohio Congressional Delegation, by all of Congress, and I will miss working with her.”

U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colo.):

“She was a Democrat through and through. She didn’t take any grief from anybody -- she had been a prosecutor, so she’s stood her ground. She was one of a kind – she’s still with me, she’s one of a kind. (She was) inclusive, energetic, just a humongous personality. She was always a very good friend to me.”

First Congressional District candidate Dr. Vic Wulsin:

“Stephanie Tubbs-Jones was a trail blazer, a dedicated public servant and I was proud to call her a friend. I will keep Stephanie and her family in my heart and in my prayers. God has called Stephanie home, but her good work lives on and her memory will inspire generations to come.”

Sixteenth Congressional District candidate state Sen. Boccieri:

"I am stunned and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Her strength, spirit and limitless energy achieved so much for the people of Northeast Ohio and made her a groundbreaking leader on the national stage. No one can replace her rare leadership, but her unforgettable courage will inspire us to carry on her fight. My prayers are with Rep. Tubbs Jones' family and her friends and supporters across Ohio and America."

Congressional Black Caucus:

“Today, GOD has called one of his devout disciples home. The untimely departure of our beloved friend and fearless leader, Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is indescribable.

“This is an enormously solemn day for Members of Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus family, Ohio residents and the world. Chairwoman Tubbs Jones was undoubtedly a true steward of the people. She dedicated her life to ensure that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was afforded to every American. Her command of the law was only matched by her boundless sense of integrity.

“Chairwoman Tubbs Jones’ illustrious career included a crowd of firsts. She was the first African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. She was the first African American female to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee. She was the first African American and the first female to serve as Cuyahoga County, Ohio Prosecutor. She was the first African American woman to sit on the Common Pleas bench in the State of Ohio.

“In the halls of Congress she was revered by her colleagues as a fair, yet firm Chair of the Standard of Official Conduct Committee. Throughout Ohio communities, she was celebrated for her tireless advocacy and intervention. Within the Congressional Black Caucus family she will be forever cherished and gravely missed.

“Our collective prayers and condolences are extended to her son Mervyn Jones, II, her sister Barbara, her entire family, her staff and the host of loved ones who knew and loved her.

"Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will proudly continue to uphold the legacy of our leader, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones and earnestly pay tribute to her life and service through all our endeavors.”

Tubbs Jones Congressional office:

"It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, beloved mother to Mervyn Jones II, sister to Barbara L. Walker, dear colleague, loyal servant and friend to all. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones passed after being admitted to Huron Hospital having suffered an aneurysm while driving her car in Cleveland Heights, Ohio on Tuesday evening. She was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. today. The official cause of death was an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

"Her death followed a full day of activities, including planning for an upcoming forum on electoral reform and other administrative duties yesterday. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was scheduled to travel to Denver on August 24, 2008 to attend the Democratic National Convention as a superdelegate.

"Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is the first African-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. Congresswoman Jones is a lifelong resident of the 11th District, which encompasses most of the East Side of Cleveland and parts of the West Side of Cleveland and includes parts of 22 suburbs.

"Currently in her fifth term in office, the Congresswoman was a strong advocate for many issues, and championed wealth building and economic development, access and delivery of health care, and quality education for all.  The Congresswoman was the first African-American woman to chair the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics) and the first African-American woman to serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. She was an active member of numerous Congressional Caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus.  

"Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has made a number of historic achievements in her distinguished career as a public servant.  Prior to her election to the House, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones served as the first African-American and the first female Cuyahoga County, Ohio Prosecutor.  She was the first African-American woman to sit on the Common Pleas bench in the State of Ohio and was a Municipal Court Judge in the City of Cleveland.

"Congresswoman Tubbs Jones has received numerous honors throughout her lifetime including the National Bible Association Capitol Hill Distinguished Leadership Award, Human Rights Campaign of Cleveland Equality Award, Backbone Campaign's Backbone Award, and the Carib News Multi-National Business Conference Marcus Garvey Award.

"Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones is a graduate of Cleveland Public Schools.  She received her undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University, graduating with a degree in Social Work from the Flora Stone Mather College in 1971.  She received her Juris Doctorate form Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1974. Additionally, she has received honorary doctorates from David N. Myers University, Notre Dame College, Central State University and Cleveland State University.

"An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, she served on their national Social Action Committee. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio and was a member of their Board of Trustees.

"Her husband of 27 years Mervyn L. Jones, Sr. preceded her in death.

"The Family and the 11th Congressional District Office wishes to thank friends, constituents, and colleagues for their expressions of sympathy and asks that the community allow the family privacy at this time. Thanks are also extended to the Cleveland Heights Police Department and Emergency Medical Services, Huron Road Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Gus Kious, Chief of Staff at Huron Road Hospital. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming."