Former Kentucky House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Gross Clay Lindsay, Passes Away.

Pol Watchers is reporting that "Former House Judiciary Chairman Gross Clay Lindsay, a Henderson Democrat who was a key figure in modernizing the state's court system and changing criminal laws, died early Wednesday morning at his home of natural causes, Henderson County Coroner Bruce Farmer said. He was 77."

I appeared before Gross Lindsey's committee to testify on a few occasions and I found the Chair. to be very conscientious with his work. He always recognized me as "the Attorney from Bowling Green" and always apologized for having trouble pronouncing my surname.

I will not belabor the point, but to simply echo what others have said about him: "Most people -- Democrat or Republican -- would say he was looking to do what was right ... [e]ven if it weren't popular, he always was interested in doing what was right".

He will be missed.

Update, 8:19 PM: Below is Governor Steve Beshear's statememt:

Governor Beshear Remembers Gross Clay Lindsay

FRANKFORT, KY (June 25, 2008) – The following statement was issued today by Governor Steve Beshear:

“I was saddened today to hear of the passing of Gross Clay Lindsay. Gross was in the House of Representatives during my entire tenure there. Even then, he was quickly becoming an icon.

His quick wit, sharp intellect, and ability to “tell it like it is,” no matter where the chips fell, was legendary. He should be an inspiration to all elected public servants.

His ability and willingness to reach across party lines to find both friends and collaborators was clear evidence of his determination to serve ALL Kentuckians.

The people of Henderson and Henderson County have lost their senior statesman. I, and all who had the honor and pleasure of serving with him have lost a friend. I will miss him greatly.”