Longtime northeast Ohio Congressman Steve LaTourette is dead at the age of 62 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a native of Cleveland but rose to the public eye as the Prosecuting Attorney in Lake County who sent Jeffrey Lundgren to Death Row for the Kirtland Cult Killings.
Reaction from his former colleagues was swift and complimentary:
Senator Rob Portman: "Steve LaTourette was known for his bipartisanship and his ability to get things done for Ohio. He was a proud son of Cleveland, a tough prosecutor, and an effective legislator who could find common ground with just about anyone. But I will miss him most of all as a good friend with a great sense of humor. Jane and I send our condolences to the entire LaTourette family, including his wife Jennifer and his six children: Ohio State Rep. Sarah LaTourette, along with Amy, Clare, Sam, Emerson and Henry. We are praying for them during this difficult time.”
Senator Sherrod Brown: “Steve LaTourette was a good man who was always willing to reach across the aisle to do right by the working men and women of northeast Ohio. Connie and I send our deepest sympathies to his family as they mourn his loss.”
Congressman Tim Ryan: "Steve LaTourette was an amazing man, a great father and an astute and principled politician. I am so sad to hear about his passing. Andrea and I extend our deepest sympathies to his amazing wife Jennifer and his children.Steve was an absolute joy to be around. You knew in every encounter with him you would either laugh, sometimes to the point of tears, or learn something; usually it was both. He always looked out for his friends, regardless of what political party they belonged -- he was very old school in that way. He taught me a lot in my early years in Congress. I hope we can all learn from his legacy and career, which was grounded in respect for all, especially those who may disagree. He was committed to making positive change in our community and across our country. Steve's voice will be sorely missed in our political discourse. Rest in peace my friend. You were one of a kind."
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine: "Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of our friend, former Ohio Congressman Steve LaTourette. Steve was an incredibly effective Congressman who not only helped those in his district, but throughout all of Northeast Ohio. He was a real workhorse who understood his district and worked hand in hand with local leaders to bring jobs to the area. "Steve was also respected by members of both parties and worked with legislators from both sides of the aisle to get things done. "Fran and I will miss our friend. We extend our condolences to his wife, Jennifer, and his children Sarah, Clare, Amy, Sam, Emerson and Henry."
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted: “Steve LaTourette was a dedicated public servant who cared more about getting things done than he did the political leanings of his colleagues. That willingness to work across party lines to achieve results for those he served is the legacy he leaves behind. "His family is in our thoughts and prayers."