The GOP and the state of Alaska mourn the loss of Republican Congressman Don Young. Young passed away Friday, at 88. Young was the longest-running Congressman currently serving the United States.
Senate President Peter Micciche called Young “Alaska’s Alaskan.”
“I think all Alaskans are having a tough time today,” he said.
Micciche, a Soldotna Republican, said his family had grown close to Young through the years. He added that Young’s impact in his nearly 50 years in the House is immeasurable.
“He went out serving, and I think that was important to him. It was kind of who he had become,” Micciche said. “And we’re going to miss him, for a lot of reasons not just personal, but I think we’ll miss some of the results that we’ve enjoyed in this state because of his hard work.”
According to AlaskaNews, Zack Brown handled communications for Young’s office. He worked for him for three years on Capitol Hill. Brown said the old school politician’s voice was important during difficult and divided times in Washington. Young’s booming, gruff voice, he said, will be sorely missed.
“Congress is a lesser institution, unfortunately, for his loss. I fear it’s going to get harder to legislate and harder to govern without a voice like his sort of steering the ship and directing people,” said Brown.
From the tarmac, the longest-serving member in the House of Representatives flag-covered casket made its way to a funeral home in Washington, the outlet reported.
en. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) issued a statement obtained by NBC News stating she was “saddened beyond belief about the loss of my friend” following news of Young’s passing.
“We have lost a giant who we loved dearly and who held Alaska in his heart—always. Don was coming home to the place that he loved, and to the people that loved him best. We love you, Don,” Murkowski said.
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