I never agreed with much of her voting record- yet, Stephanie Tubbs Jones was an influential legislator who conducted herself with grace and dignity in the 110th Congress. Jones was the first African American congresswoman to be elected from Ohio, and from most accounts was said to be a very amiable and likeable person- and was very proud to represent the 11th Congressional District in Ohio. She passed away today (August 20, 2008) from a major aneurysm. I'm sure she will be missed by her fellow legislators in Congress (from both sides). May she rest in peace.

Kerry won 81% of the vote in this Black majority district in 2004. Jones won her first term in 1998, and has never received less than 80% of the vote. She was born in 1949 and is Baptist.