Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Hospitalized

UPDATE: Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones passed away last evening at the age of 58. Statement from her Congressional Office.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones:

"We are greatly saddened about the passing of Congresswoman Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was a true American hero and inspiring leader, having spent a lifetime breaking barriers and standing up for her values. Just last week I was honored to have Stephanie join me on the campaign trail in Ohio where, as always, her infectious energy, enthusiasm and passion uplifted the crowd. Her voice will be greatly missed.
"This is a great loss for our Party and our nation. On behalf of the Democratic Party, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' friends and family during this difficult time."

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) mourned the passing of his colleague in the House and Congressional Black Caucus.

"Whether you were a presidential candidate, a colleague debating on the floor or a friend passing time, you wanted her on your team for her quick legal mind, tenacious debating skills, her infectious humor and that thousand watt smile. My heart is heavy," Clyburn said in a statement.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio) was hospitalized in critical condition at Huron Hospital in Cleveland from an apparent brain aneurysm. Some news agencies reported that she had died. As an admirer of her, I hope all progressives will join in wishing her a speedy recovery.

Tubbs Jones became the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress when she was elected in 1998. She is a superdelegate who threw her support to Barack Obama after having championed Hillary Clinton's bid for the presidency. She is the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (aka: the House Ethics committee).

According to Wikipedia: Born in Cleveland, Jones graduated from the city's public schools. She earned undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University, graduating with a degree in Social Work from the Flora Stone Mather College in 1971. In 1974, she earned a J.D. from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

As representative from Ohio's 11th district, she has won handily in all of her elections, winning no less than 76% of the popular vote.

In 2004, she served as the chairwoman of the platform committee at the Democratic National Convention and as a member of the Ohio delegation. She strongly supported Sen. John Kerry in his campaign to become President of the United States. On January 6, 2005, she joined U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in objecting to the certification of the 2004 U.S. presidential election results for Ohio.