Virginia's Rep. Jo Ann Davis succumbs to cancer

by David Lerman

Rep. Jo Ann Davis, Virginia's first female Republican member of Congress, died today after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 57.

Davis, an outspoken social conservative and staunch advocate for Navy shipbuilding, had been absent from Capitol Hill most of the year as she struggled with a recurrence of breast cancer.

``I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis after her long struggle with cancer," said John H. Hager, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, in a written statement. ``Virginia has lost a passionate advcoate for better government, and her legacy as a defender of conservative princples will always be remembered."

Davis, a Gloucester resident, represented Virginia's 1st Congressional District, a sprawling Republican stronghold stretching from Newport News to Prince William County. She first won her seat in 2000 after the death of former Rep. Herbert H. Bateman.

The state must schedule a special election to fill Davis's seat for the remainder of her term.

While born in North Carolina, Davis grew up in Hampton Roads, where her father worked in a gas station and drove city buses in Hampton. She graduated from Hampton Roads Business College and began a real estate career in 1988. She was elected to the state House of Delegates in 1997, defeating a 15-year incumbent.

(Photo from the office of Rep. Jo Ann Davis)

Republican National Committee Chairman Robert "Mike" Duncan recalled this about Davis: "Her very first piece of legislation was a helping hand for the families of service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation, and since then, she has never failed to make the people she served – whether in Virginia or across the country – her highest priority. ''

And President Bush issued this statement tonight:

"Laura and I are deeply saddened that Rep. Jo Ann Davis lost her courageous battle with breast cancer today. Her determination to fight the disease is an inspiration to all of us.

"Over the course of her four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, she was an effective advocate for the people of her district and a strong supporter of our men and women in uniform. She was a fine example of a public servant who worked hard to cut government waste to ensure the people’s money was used wisely. Her common sense values will be missed on Capitol Hill.''