Don Young Passed Away!

Don Young, one of the oldest members of the House of Representatives passed away.

It was just announced that longtime Republican Don Young of Alaska passed away.

The 88-year old lawmaker had a medical emergency on his way back to Alaska. His last vote cast was for the CROWN Act. I will give him credit for at least acknowledging that the hairstyles of Black men and women shouldn't be discriminated against.

His staff confirmed that he passed away while on flight.

"It's with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce that Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska to be be with the state and people that he loved," the statement said. "His beloved wife was by his side."

At 88, Young was the longest-serving member of the House, having entered Congress in 1973. He served as the House Representative-At-Large for most of the time Alaska has been a state.

He said he was going to run for another term as the Representative for Alaska.

He survived a bout with COVID-19 that hospitalized him in 2020.

Among other things, Young was famous for his "Alaskans of the week" presentation, which took place at the end of every week and featured an Alaskan who was doing something noteworthy or good for the community.

Young was known for his senses of humor and bluntness, and was appreciated by members on both sides of the aisle.

He lived in Fort Yukon, Alaska, a town with roughly 700 citizens.

He was a corrupt figure though. He and the late Senator Ted Stevens were responsible for the "Bridge to Nowhere" nonsense. It was pork barrel project to connect Ketchikan to Gravina Island. That idea was controversial because of a quid pro quo deal between the Republicans and oil lobbyists.

Karen Dunleavy honored the lawmaker by saying he was a "great friend" and said "Alaska was a better place because of Don Young."

With Young passing away, Dunleavy may pick a person to serve out the remainder of his term. Also he could leave the spot vacant until a candidate won the race for a full term.