Saturday, January 19, 2008
Chicago Sun-Times

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, John Stroger. An Arkansas native, John was a tireless public servant who fought to improve the lives of working people, the uninsured, and the underserved. His memory will live on in the hospital that bears his name, and in the people's lives that he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stroger family."

Bill and Hillary Clinton

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Stroger. As the first African American to serve as president of the Cook County Board, John was a pioneer, as well as a passionate advocate for providing quality health care for the poor. John was a compassionate man, a dedicated public servant, and a champion for working families in Illinois. Michelle and I send our deepest sympathies to his wife and family."

Sen. Barack Obama

"Many years ago, John Stroger befriended me when I was an unknown candidate from Springfield with few allies in the Chicago political world. Today, I mourn the loss of a real friend."

Sen. Dick Durbin

"From his humble beginnings in rural Arkansas, to his rise to become the first African-American president of the Cook County Board, John Stroger never forgot where he came from or lost sight of whose side he was on."

Gov. Blagojevich

"He was an inspiration to all of us in politics. He really believed government could make changes. His greatest legacy is building Cook County Hospital. When people told him that public hospitals had ended many years ago, he firmly believed people needed good, quality health care."

Mayor Daley

"He dedicated his life to his family and gave generously of himself as an elected official. His love for this county knew no bounds, and he will be deeply missed.''

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger

"John Stroger, among his many achievements, will be best remembered by me for having done an incredible job at creating opportunities in Cook County for the advancement of the black middle class."

Rep. Bobby Rush

"It could be the end of an era of the people who helped forge Chicago politics. He will be missed because he made such a huge contribution, left such a big footprint."

Former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun