Jim Kolbe in 2017. | POMED, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Jim Kolbe in 2017. | POMED, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Former Jim Kolbe, an openly gay Republican congressman, is being remembered as a proud Vietnam veteran and gay rights advocate.
Kolbe, who during his more than two decades in Congress came to be known for his support of free trade, international development and immigration and Social Security reform, recently passed away at 80.
“Arizona lost a true elder statesman and political powerhouse today,” Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement. “Congressman Jim Kolbe never wavered in his responsibility to our state and nation. We are deeply saddened by his passing."
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero took to Twitter to add, "I want to extend my condolences to the family of Congressman Jim Kolbe on his passing. A strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights he served our country in Vietnam, and then represented southern Arizona in the state legislature and then in Congress. He leaves behind a lasting legacy."
Arizona legislator Matt Gress told APNews.com that the strength of Kolbe’s contributions can best be measured by considering some of the stands he took.
“Today, because of Jim Kolbe, being a member of the LGBT community and serving in elected office has become irrelevant,” Gress said.
Back in 1997 during his first speech to a national gathering of gay and lesbian Republicans, AP reports Kolbe insisted “being gay was not, and is not today, my defining persona.”
Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson added there is little doubt his passing will be felt by many.
"Pima County and southern Arizona could always count on Jim Kolbe," she said in a statement.
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