RICHMOND (AP) -- Former U.S. Rep. Owen Pickett has died. He was 80.
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Pickett's death Wednesday night. Details weren't immediately available.
Pickett, a Democrat from Virginia Beach, represented the 2nd District from 1987 to 2001. He also served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1972 to 1986. The district covers Virginia's Eastern Shore, the city of Virginia Beach and parts of Hampton and Norfolk.
McDonnell called Pickett a patriot and says he had a passion for public service.
"Owen dedicated his life to public service. He was a patriot. He served the Commonwealth in the House of Delegates and our nation in the House of Representatives. That was his passion: service. That passion was evident when in August he accepted my offer to Co-Chair our Commission on Military and National Security Facilities. Even in his final months, knowing that his health was failing, Owen volunteered to once again serve the people of Virginia," the governor said.
Sen. Mark Warner said Pickett, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was a tireless advocate for the nation's military and its families.
"He set an excellent example as an elected official who consistently worked in a bipartisan way, both in the state legislature and in Congress, to do what was best for the Commonwealth and our nation," Warner noted.
"I was very sorry to learn of Owen PIckett's passing. Virginia has lost one of its most respected leaders. Owen Pickett tirelessly served Virginia and the nation right up to the end of his life,” said Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA).
"The citizens of Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia have lost a dedicated public servant," said Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd D.). "I served with Owen in both the Virginia House of Delegates and in Congress. He was a true statesman and an effective legislator, who enjoyed great respect and admiration from both sides of the aisle."
Rep. Glenn Nye (D-2nd D.) called Pickett a mentor and role model.
"Owen always put Hampton Roads first. He stayed out of the partisan bickering that so many politicians fall prey to and instead focusing his energy on how best to serve the people he represented. I will always admire Owen's dedication to our men and women in uniform--recognizing their invaluable contribution to our country and Hampton Roads. Owen's service to our community will long be remembered," Nye stated.
Nye's challenger for the 2nd District seat, Republican Scott Rigell, stated, "Owen provided a great service to our country and to our district. He tirelessly fought for our military families and veterans, and was a principled leader in the House of Delegates and in Congress."
"Virginia lost a true patriot in former Congressman Owen Pickett. He was a dedicated member of Virginia's General Assembly, a champion for our military and military families, a strong voice for the Hampton Roads region in Congress, and a true public servant to the entire Commonwealth of Virginia," said Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-4th District).
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
