Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Atlanta will lower flags to half-staff indefinitely to honor Rep. John Lewis.
Atlanta’s flags at half-staff indefinitely to honor congressman
WASHINGTON — Atlanta will lower flags to half-staff indefinitely to honor Rep. John Lewis, who represented the city for more than 30 years in Congress before his death, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Saturday. Lewis died Friday at age 80. “The people of Atlanta often called upon Congressman Lewis for counsel, guidance, and assistance with getting into good trouble. No matter how busy his schedule, or important his Washington duties were, he answered,” she said in a statement.
President Donald Trump ordered flags at half-staff at the White House and all federal public buildings and grounds, including embassies abroad and all military posts and naval stations, throughout the day Saturday. In a tweet, Trump said: “Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing. Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family.”
Former President Barack Obama said, “Considering his enormous impact on the history of this country, what always struck those who met John was his gentleness and humility. … Early on, he embraced the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as the means to bring about real change in this country, understanding that such tactics had the power not only to change laws, but to change hearts and minds as well.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “I will never forget joining hands with John as members of Congress sang ‘We Shall Overcome’ at a 2008 ceremony honoring his friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It could not have been more humbling to consider what he had suffered and sacrificed so those words could be sung in that place.”
State law says Republican Gov. Brian Kemp must schedule a special election to fill the current term of Lewis, who was first elected to represent Georgia’s majority Black 5th District in 1986, said Georgia Deputy Secretary of State Jordan Fuchs. A vote would have to be held within 30 days.
Separately, Democrats can appoint a replacement candidate to fill Lewis’ slot on the November ballot since he already had won the nomination, said Fuchs.
There was no immediate announcement on plans for a funeral.