This week starts with some sad news. Rep. Cola Hudson, a longtime Republican state representative from Lyndon, died Sunday of heart failure. Gov. James Douglas, who entered the Vermont Legislature in the same year as Hudson, has ordered the state's flags to be flown at half-mast.
Tributes to Hudson have been streaming in today.
Rob Roper, Vermont Republican Party chairman:
Cola’s passing was a surprise to us all. We will miss his humor, his insights, and his good, old-fashioned horse sense. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hudson family.
Republican House Leader Steve Adams and Assistant Leader Patti Komline:
Cola Hudson was a giant among great Vermonters. He epitomized the Yankee values that bind all Vermonters together – hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving one’s community. His passing is a great loss to the State of Vermont.
Democratic House Speaker Gaye Symington:
The member from Lyndonville was rarely missing from his seat when the House was in session. He was known for using few words to convey his perspectives on the debates at hand. At times he would use his wit to remind others of the value of brevity. When the Member from Lyndonville spoke, the Vermont House listened carefully.
In happier news, Adams has reported that his Jan. 7 heart surgery was a success. Adams is the Republican Party's leader in the Vermont House and this medical emergency has kept him away during this part of the session in 2008. He is now at home recuperating and working part-time on legislative issues. He hopes to return to the Statehouse in about four weeks.
Here's what he had to say, via a press release from Komline:
My family and I are truly grateful for all the support we have received from so many Vermonters during this challenging time. I was particularly encouraged by the kind words of support from my colleagues in the Legislature.
-Dan Barlow
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