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Open Thread: John Adler, Dead at 51

by: Rosi Efthim

Mon Apr 04, 2011 at 03:59:32 PM EDT



This is an Open Thread after just terrible news.

We're just getting word that former NJ-3 congressman, John Adler, has died. Adler was hospitalized a few weeks ago and received emergency heart surgery at University of Pennsylvania Hospital after contracting staph bacterial endocarditis. The hospital has not confirmed the death. Sen. Paul Sarlo is the source for reports of Adler's passing.

Adler's father died when Adler was a teenager. It was a defining story of his campaigns. The Adlers lost the family dry cleaning business and had to depend on Social Security survivor benefits to survive. Adler was among just a handful of Democrats who voted against the overhaul of America's health care system last year, angering progressives and many Democrats. Adler lost his seat to GOP former football player Jon Runyan, despite a public debate the Harvard-educated Adler won easily over an embarrassed and poorly-informed now-congressman Runyan.

More details as we get them.
UPDATE: NJ Senate Budget hearing was interrupted at 3:45pm when the news reached the State House, where Adler served in the NJ Senate for 17 years 1992-2009.
UPDATE: Adler's death is confirmed by Assemblyman and NJ Democratic State Committee Chair John Wisniewski. I've posted his statement in comments.

Rosi Efthim :: Open Thread: John Adler, Dead at 51
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how horrible (0.00 / 0)
I'm really shocked. My sympathies to his family.

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

Oliver statement (0.00 / 0)
Speaker Sheila Oliver just released this statement:

           "Congressman Adler was a true example of what it means to serve the people.

           "No matter what office he held, the Congressman always advocated fiercely for his constituents and those whose voices otherwise wouldn't have been heard. He was always at the forefront of the key issues of the day, whether it be ethics, education, a clean environment, public health or property tax reform.

           "His passing is a tragic loss for our state, but his legacy of intelligent and classy leadership will not be forgotten. Every time we breath clean air at a restaurant, for instance, we can thank John Adler.

           "On behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly, I offer my prayers and condolences to Congressman Adler's family and friends at their time of grief."



Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

Prayers offered (0.00 / 0)
Just a young man. What a shame.

Will pray for his family.


so sad (0.00 / 0)
makes me recall so many good times and think of his wife and those boys.

how very sad.

activist for hire.Follow jay_lass on Twitter


Wisniewski statement (0.00 / 0)
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman John Adler," said Wisniewski. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this difficult time. John always fought for what he believed in and I was proud to have called him a colleague, a friend and a fellow Democrat. His commitment to his community and our state was beyond measure and his legacy will live on through his good works.  His passing has to make you stop and think about the pace at which we all live and the life we miss while doing it. He will be sorely missed."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

SHOW SOME CLASS ROSI! (0.00 / 0)
why do you need to dis someone in a eulogy?  

activist for hire.Follow jay_lass on Twitter

[ Parent ]
Huh?! (0.00 / 0)
Am I missing something?  Where is the dis?

[ Parent ]
Sweeney statement (0.00 / 0)
"We lost a great person today. John Adler was a remarkable statesman, a dear colleague and a good friend. His commitment to public service and for doing what he believed was right is a testament to the kind of person he was.

"While we mourn his passing, John's life serves as a shining example to all those who seek to make a difference through public service. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to John's wife, Shelley, their children, family and friends."

http://www.njsendems.com/relea...

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch


Buono statement (0.00 / 0)
"John Adler was a brilliant policy maker and a great friend. He was passionate about public service and worked to fulfill the needs of his constituents, whether during his tenure in the State House or while in Congress.

"John and I used to joke that we were frustrated film critics as I used to marvel at his encyclopedic knowledge of movies. I missed his wonderful sense of humor when he left for Washington, and will miss it even more now.

"My deepest condolences go out to Shelley, their four sons, and all whose lives he touched."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  


Pallone statement (0.00 / 0)
   "This is a terribly tragic loss for those John served, his friends, his colleagues and his family. I knew John for many years, and my wife and children are friends with John's wife and children. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Adler family.

   "While I can't help believing his life was cut short, he accomplished more than a lifetime of achievement in service to others and he made a permanent mark as a selfless and generous friend and family man. He was smart and determined, but he also possessed a healthy dose of humility and good humor.

   "John's life was a success story of someone who overcame real adversity from a young age to reach the heights of academic and professional achievement. It is telling that he chose to use his skills to serve others. We will all remember John and the admirable example he set for others."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  


Pascrell statement (0.00 / 0)
"Congressman Adler and I worked together for many years, but we became particularly close as early co-chairmen of the New Jersey for John Kerry campaign in 2003," said Pascrell. "As tenacious as John Adler was on the campaign trail, he was even more valuable as a public servant.  He was a sincere and hardworking man of the people who brought the best of his tremendous abilities to Trenton and Washington.  John will be greatly missed by Democrats and Republicans throughout New Jersey. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Shelley, their sons and the rest of their family and friends."

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

DeCroce statement (0.00 / 0)
Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce:

           "My deepest sympathies go out to Congressman Adler's wife and children. The congressman was a dedicated public servant who served his constituents with integrity and honor. His commitment to helping those in need and willingness to share his time and talent is a great example of what it really means to serve the public. On behalf of the Assembly Republicans, I offer my condolences to his family and friends."



Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

Sierra Club: We lose an environmental hero (0.00 / 0)
Here is part of NJ Sierra Club's statement via Jeff Tittel:

The Sierra Club endorsed John Adler in every legislative election. As a Congressman he had a stellar environmental record with a 90% rating. He was also a key supporter of American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), the first comprehensive clean energy legislation to pass the House of Representatives. John Adler was one of the most dedicated environmentalists on the Senate Environment Committee, serving as Vice Chair for many years.  He played a major role in passing every piece of environmental legislation.  In addition, he has sponsored landmark legislation dealing with energy, global warming, open space, clean air, and clean water.

John Adler was one of the co-sponsors of the landmark Global Warming Response Act, considered the strongest global warming law in the nation.  He also helped promote the use of renewable energy, especially solar, and more efficient use of energy technology.  During the fight for New Jersey's Clean Car Bill, Adler, a prime sponsor, stood up to special interests and the smog lobby to see that the bill passed.

In addition to his important energy work, John Adler has also fought to clean up the air we breathe.  He helped shepherd through New Jersey's indoor smoking ban, which was an important victory for public health, and was instrumental in seeing legislation on retrofitting diesel school buses passed, protecting our children's health at no cost to the taxpayers.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  


Frank LoBiondo statement (0.00 / 0)
           "Having served with John in both Washington and Trenton, I can attest that he was a good man who was deeply dedicated to South Jersey and those he represented. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Shelley, their sons and family."



Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

RIP Congressman Adler (0.00 / 0)
So much promise cut short.

Restore democracy and the Constitution for which it stands.

I am so sorry. I feel like I knew him (0.00 / 0)
through all of you here although I never met him personally.  I know you all must be grieving terribly tonite and I want you to know my heart is with you.

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

Runyan statement (0.00 / 0)
"I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Congressman John Adler, especially his wife Shelley and their four boys. May John rest in peace, and may those he left behind be comforted in the knowledge that his lifetime of public service to our community has left a lasting legacy for which they can be most proud.

"I valued and respected his leadership and his commitment to the people of New Jersey's Third District and indeed the entire state."

http://jon-runyan.blogspot.com...

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch


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