Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Dies at the Age of 58

The Democratic Party was shocked today by the news of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones' passing. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was driving in her car last night when she suffered an aneurysm. She was taken to the hospital and, less than 24 hours later, was pronounced dead.  Her death is a great loss to Congress and to the Democratic Party.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was well-liked and respected.  She represented the 11th District of Ohio for almost 10 years and was the first black woman to represent Ohio in the House of Representatives.  She also held a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee (the first black woman to hold a seat on that esteemed committee) where she was an outspoken critic of President Bush's tax cuts.  She was also a powerful advocate against the War in Iraq and consistently voted against supporting it. 

As an enthusiastic supporter of Hillary Clinton in her presidential bid, Tubb Jones gained national recognition.  After Clinton bowed out of the race, Tubbs Jones endorsed Barack Obama. She also made it known that she believed Hillary Rodham Clinton would make a fine vice presidential pick.

What happens now in the 11th District race?  According to Ohio state election law, the Democratic Party has about 2 months to find another candidate to take Tubbs Jones' place on the November ballot. Despite the desire to grieve, the Party will have to wait and instead immediately search for a viable candidate who will be able to hold on to this strongly Democratic Ohio seat. They may just have a good chance of doing this, though, because the Republican candidate is an unknown who has almost no presence at all on the internet and has filed no campaign-finance reports (which, giving him the benefit of the doubt, means he hasn't raised any cash).  You can't even find a photograph of him anywhere on the Internet, let alone his profession or stance on the issues.  In fact, if you, gentle reader, can find a photo or anything else about Mr. Thomas Pekarek, please let us know at feedback@votimus.com!