Longtime Ohio congressman dies

Former Congressman Ralph Regula, who represented the Canton region for nearly 40 years, died yesterday at 92.

He served in Congress from 1973-2009. At the time, he was the second longest serving Republican member of the House.

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“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, colleague and mentor,” U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci said today. Renacci, now a candidate for governor, has served in the same seat since 2011. “He was a remarkable man whose tenure spanned seven United States presidents.”

Regula was ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor Health, Human Services and Education.

He was a lawyer, Navy veteran and served in the Ohio General Assembly.

Regula and his wife Mary have three children.

Secretary of State Jon Husted called Regula a “devoted public servant and leader.” “From his days at the Ohio Statehouse to his many years on Capitol Hill, Ralph set a standard for service and dignity that we should all aspire to achieve,” said Husted, also a Republican candidate for governor. “In addition to being a model public servant, he was also a devoted husband and father. Tina and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family at this time.”

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