The Honorable Abner Mikva, who passed away today at the age of 90, was a stalwart example of commitment to good government in Illinois. 

Mikva first attempted to become involved in local politics with a visit to his local Ward Committeeman's office in Chicago. He often recounted the phrase they spoke to him that day, "we don't want nobody nobody sent," as his initiation into the world of Chicago politics, where he learned quickly that not all politicians shared his sterling reputation for honesty and transparency.

After serving in the Illinois House of Representatives for five terms, he moved on to the U.S. House of Representatives for five more terms before he was appointed by President Carter to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Mikva was eventually awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor for a civilian, in 2014 by President Obama.

ICPR applauds Abner Mikva on his outstanding work for the state of Illinois and Nation as a whole. He was admired and respected on both sides of the aisle for his spirit of good government and collaboration, which he championed throughout his career.  He will be sorely missed as one of our state's most admired leaders.