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“Michelle and I are heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, he showed us all not only the importance of checks and balances within our democracy, but also the necessity of good people stewarding it,” Obama said in a statement. “Steely yet compassionate, principled yet open to new perspectives, Chairman Cummings remained steadfast in his pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. It’s a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day.”
Obama added that Cummings inspired Americans through his acts of civil service.
“And true to the giants of progress he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most. .. Our deepest sympathies and abiding love go to his wife, Maya, his three children, and all those whose lives he touched,” Obama said.
He was one of the earliest supporters of Obama’s presidential candidacy in 2007 when many members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, were backing Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Cummings said at the time he believed African American voters would ultimately rally around Obama if he showed signs of being able to win.
“People say, ‘He’s like my son or my grandson and before I die, I’d like to have the chance to vote for someone who can win,'” he said.
As Democrats and Republicans remembered Cummings Thursday as a strong leader, Clinton called Cummings “a man of principle who championed truth, justice and kindness.”
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