Mink remembered in D.C.
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — President Bush expressed sadness yesterday over the death of U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink as her friends and colleagues in Congress offered condolences and prepared to attend a memorial in Hawai'i this week.
"Laura and I are saddened by the news of the passing of Congresswoman Patsy Mink. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends," Bush said. "Patsy Mink fought tirelessly for the causes she supported, and our nation is grateful to her for her long record of public service."
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, plans to formally announce Mink's death in a resolution before the House today. House Speaker Dennis Hastert will authorize a military plane to take a congressional delegation to Honolulu for a memorial service for Mink on Friday at the State Capitol.
In Hawai'i, Gov. Ben Cayetano yesterday announced that flags will be lowered to half-staff to honor Mink until sunset on Friday. The flag was also flown at half-staff at the U.S. Capitol yesterday.
Mink, 74, died Saturday after a month-long hospitalization for treatment of viral pneumonia.
Lawmakers and congressional aides stopped by Mink's suite at the Rayburn House Office Building yesterday to offer their sympathies.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, eulogized his friend with a poignant speech on the Senate floor.
"She was a courageous and tenacious leader whose lifetime of public service made Hawai'i a better place," he said.
House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., said Mink, a liberal Democrat, opened doors for women and people of color.
"I will deeply miss her progressive voice and aggressive leadership on issues important to the American people," he said. "I hope the House will dedicate itself to working in her extraordinary spirit in the important days and months ahead."
Interest groups also honored Mink for her work on minority affairs and equal rights. The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies described Mink as an inspirational role model for students and an "American political trailblazer extraordinaire."
The National Organization for Women called her a valiant champion.
"Every woman today who is enjoying the fruits of her education and job opportunities, and every girl who has a chance to play sports in school, owes a nod of thanks to Mink," the group said in a statement.
Mink died a week after winning the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District and two days after the deadline for placing names on the November ballot. Her name will remain on the ballot against Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott and two other candidates.
The mid-term elections will decide which party controls the House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Mink's district, which covers parts of O'ahu and all of the Neighbor Islands, is considered Democratic territory but her death gives Republicans an unexpected opportunity.
Three House lawmakers, all Democrats, were re-elected by voters after they died. Clem Miller of California was re-elected in 1962. Nick Begich of Alaska and Majority Leader Hale Boggs of Louisiana were re-elected in 1972. All three died in plane crashes — Begich and Boggs in the same crash.
According to Mink's campaign filing with the Federal Election Commission, she had $220,487 cash on hand as of Sept. 1. Her campaign listed $127,590 in debts and obligations owed by the committee.
In contrast, McDermott, reported having about $11,000 on hand as of Sept. 1.
