After a 2-year battle with breast cancer, Rep. Jo Ann Davis of Virginia's 1st Congressional District, died this morning, according to an alert from Roll Call. She was 57.
Shawn O'Donnell, Davis' Democratic challenger in 2006, released the following statement of sympathy:
I wish to extend my sympathy to Representative Jo Ann Davis’ family in their time of sorrow.
Ms. Davis’ passing is sad and a tragic reminder that work is still needed in finding a cure for cancer and other diseases that continue to unnecessarily cost human lives. Unfortunately, earlier this year President Bush proposed cutting funding for cancer research by $40 million and cutting government funds for other major health programs and services by hundreds of millions of dollars hurting countless Americans.
In this time of sadness, let us all recall the words of the ancient hymn and prayer of comfort and support, "May the angels lead you to paradise, and may the martyrs greet you on your arrival ..."
UPDATE: AP story here.