Rep. JoAnn Davis Passes Away

Today, the nation lost a leader whose character and determination were hardly equaled in the halls of Congress. US Rep. JoAnn Davis (R-VA) passed away today after a bout with breast cancer. The following is the wire from CNN.com:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis, R-Virginia, died Saturday after battling breast cancer, her office said. She was 57.

Rep. Jo Ann Davis died Saturday after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

Davis died at her home in Gloucester, Virginia.

She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2005, according to a statement from her office, and had a recurrence earlier this year.

"Davis had been receiving breast cancer treatment at Duke University and just recently had received positive reports on her condition," the statement said. "However, during the last week Davis' health took a turn for the worse."

Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming, the statement said.

President George Bush said Davis was a "fine example of a public servant" whose "common sense values will be missed on Capitol Hill."

"Laura and I are deeply saddened that Rep. Jo Ann Davis lost her courageous battle with breast cancer today. Her determination to fight the disease is an inspiration to all of us," he said in a statement.

Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Florida, chairman of the House Republican Conference, noted in a statement that when Davis was first diagnosed with cancer, instead of retiring, she "pressed on, continued to serve with distinction the people of the Commonwealth and the country she loved, and beat the disease."

After the cancer returned, he said, "she courageously took the same path."

"Jo Ann Davis was an inspiration to all of us fortunate enough to serve with her, and we are all deeply saddened by the news of her passing," Putnam said. "At this difficult hour, our thoughts and prayers are with Jo Ann's husband, Chuck, and their loved ones."

Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, said Davis was a "great woman and a great patriot."

"It was my great honor to serve in the United States House of Representatives alongside my friend, Jo Ann Davis," he said in a statement. "She fought for, and embodied, the core values of Virginia."