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Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Rep. Paul Gillmor Was A Great Man

I was shocked to learn that Rep. Paul Gillmor was found dead in his Virginia apartment today. I don't think my district could find another representative as in touch with conservative values as Rep. Gillmor. I've been voting for Rep. Gillmor since I've been able to vote. I've corresponded with Rep. Gillmor several times over the past few years and always received a prompt reply.

Rep. Paul Gillmor, an Ohio Republican who served in the House of Representatives for nearly 20 years, was found dead in his apartment, lawmakers and police said on Wednesday.

Gillmor's body was found lying on the floor in his nearby Arlington, Virginia, apartment by members of his staff who went there to investigate Wednesday morning after the 68-year-old lawmaker failed to show up for work, Arlington police spokesman John Lisle said.

The body was taken to the medical examiner for an autopsy, but Lisle said there were no signs of anything suspicious or foul play.

Gillmor served on the House Financial Services Committee and was well liked by his fellow lawmakers.

"Paul Gillmor was a man of genuine humility and deep conviction, a great public servant and a good friend," House Republican Whip Roy Blunt said in a statement. "As a deputy whip of the House, he established himself as a respected leader on issues vital to his district and our country."

Gillmor is survived by his wife Karen, and five children. Gillmor's death will not have an impact on Democratic control of the House. Before his death, there were 232 Democrats and 202 Republicans, with one vacancy.