State Rep. Linda Orange, moderate and colorful legislator, dies at 69
Rep. Linda Orange, one of the most colorful legislators at the state Capitol, died Wednesday at the age of 69 of pancreatic cancer.
Orange had recently announced her upcoming resignation from the legislature due to her illness, and she had said she would step down before the next regular session starts in early February.
Among the longer-serving lawmakers, Orange represented the 48th Assembly District since 1997. She won 12 consecutive elections as a popular lawmaker in the district, which includes parts of Colchester, Lebanon, Windham and Mansfield. As deputy speaker, she sometimes presided over the House chamber during debates.
Known as a moderate, Orange was among the few Democrats who voted against stronger gun control laws after the deaths of 20 children and six educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in 2012. She was challenged in a Democratic primary soon after in 2014, but she won by a wide margin.
She served as a leader in the sportman’s caucus and maintained friendships across the aisle with Republicans at a time when much of politics has become bitterly partisan.
In the historic Hall of the House, Orange sat in one of the back rows near her longtime friend, state Rep. Stephen Dargan of West Haven. Dargan chaired the public safety committee for more than 20 years, and Orange had expertise on police and fire issues as a longtime member of the committee. She was known for her laughter and telling stories that often involved Dargan.
Orange had an independent streak and was among 17 House Democrats who voted in 2015 to override Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s veto of a high-profile bill that would have increased the qualifications for the state education commissioner. The override attempt eventually fell short. At the time, none of Malloy’s vetoes had been overturned as many Democrats avoided challenging their fellow Democratic governor. Years later, some of Malloy’s vetoes were overridden on various issues.
“Linda Orange truly loved serving the people of her district — it was her passion and she always kept her constituents at the forefront of all her efforts,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “She had an undeniably witty sense of humor and a charming character that brightened even the gloomiest of days. In particular, she will be remembered as being one of the most ardent champions advocating on behalf of our state’s first responders. She did lasting good work for Connecticut, and she will be missed.”
Flag at half-staff
On Wednesday night, the state Capitol police lowered the Connecticut state flag to half-staff, where Lamont said it would remain until the day of her burial.
House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz of Berlin, who informed lawmakers of the news, said, “Representative Orange was not only a colleague in the House, but a good friend who was a beloved and respected presence at the Capitol. She was a consummate professional as a legislator who cared deeply about her community. Despite her personal health challenges, Linda continued to work tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, setting a standard we can all strive for. Rep. Orange was one of those rare people who truly gave back to society more than she took.’’
Along with sharing a laugh, Orange was known for saying “bye, bye now” that was repeated by her friends and widely known in the House chamber.
“The House Democratic Caucus is missing a bright light today,” said House majority leader Matt Ritter of Hartford. “Linda Orange’s legacy is about standing up for first responders across the state, standing up for her constituents and standing up for her family. Linda was one of the strongest legislators that I have known. She once battled the state to ensure Troop K’s doors were open and its dispatch center was staffed. I will miss my friend and colleague Linda Orange.”
“Linda Orange was a relentless and tenacious fighter,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. “She had a huge heart and a ready laugh. I prized her wisdom and admired her unstinting work ethic and integrity. Most important, I treasured her friendship. My heart is with her family whom she loved so dearly and her constituents whom she served so loyally.”
“To say our hearts are heavy in hearing of the loss of our beloved Linda Orange would be an understatement,’’ said House Republican leader Themis Klarides of Derby. “When I am some day looking back on my time in the legislature, one of the main highlights will be serving with Linda Orange and being able to learn from her what a true public servant should be. God bless her and her family.”