خبر محزن. وفاة رجل الكونجرس القوي دونالد باين

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, the dean of New Jersey's congressional delegation, died after a months-long battle with colon cancer today, according to three sources close to the Payne family. The longtime politician was 77.

Payne announced last month he was under treatment for colon cancer but said that he expected to make a full recovery. Last week, though, his health took a turn for the worse.

He was hospitalized at Georgetown University Hospital, but on Friday was flown back to New Jersey on a medical transport. After arriving at Teterboro airport, he was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Payne, a Democrat who represented New Jersey's 10th congressional district for 23 years, was placed in hospice care and died early this morning.

DONALD PAYNE BIOGRAPHY

• Age: 77

• Hometown: Newark

• Family: Predeceased by his wife; survived by 3 children, 4 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild

• Education: Barringer High School graduate; Seton Hall University graduate; pursued graduate studies at Springfield College in Massachusetts

• Occupation: Newark School District teacher; executive with Prudential Financial; politician

• Distinction: First African-American Congressman to be elected in New Jersey; first African-American president of the National Council of YMCAs.

Source: The Star-Ledger; Donald Payne's congressional website


The state's first — and currently its only — black congressman, Payne headed one of Newark's most powerful political dynasties. His son Donald Payne Jr. is the Newark City Council president, as well as an Essex County Freeholder. His brother, and lifelong political partner, William is a former state assemblyman.

Payne was up for re-election this year and facing a primary in June. Despite his condition, he vowed to run again only last month and refused to take a leave of absence.

A former teacher, insurance executive, city councilman, and county freeholder, Payne's lifelong dream was to become a congressman. In 1988 he finally achieved that goal and was returned to Congress 11 times -- by some of the widest margins in New Jersey congressional history.

While in the House of Representatives, Payne was known as a tireless advocate for his constituents, a champion of education and a de facto ambassador to Africa. He helped secure $100 million to help prevent and treat Malaria and HIV/AIDS, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Payne was recognized in Congress for having the most supportive record on issues regarding the Northern Ireland peace process. He helped win passage of a resolution declaring the killing in Darfur genocide and he authored the Sudan Peace Act, facilitating famine relief efforts.

"He's had a tremendous impact on the state, country and the world," William Payne said.