Contact: Leslie Phillips
(202) 224-2627
October 27, 2003

Lieberman Mourns District's First Elected Mayor

Walter Washington Helped Lift Up the City

WASHINGTON – Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., issued the following statement Monday upon the death of Walter Washington, great grandson of a slave who, in 1974, became Washington D.C.’s first elected mayor since the Civil War.

"Just as Walter Washington lifted himself up, he helped lift up the city that he loved and served so well.

“He led the District through difficult times – including race riots and bitter anti-war protests - and stood firm against intense pressure from the federal government when the welfare of his citizens were at stake. He made the people of this city proud to be Washingtonians.

“In return, he was rewarded with the people's love and confidence.

“Now, in Walter Washington’s honor, let us reverse a long-standing injustice and provide the citizens of the District of Columbia with the full representation in Congress they have been denied for so long."