Last night, Virginia Democrats lost our 11th Congressional District Chairman George Burke after a fierce battle with cancer. George, an aide to Congressman Gerry Connolly, avid skier and active labor leader, was an integral part of the Democratic community and his loss will be felt across the Commonwealth.
Governor Terry McAuliffe: "Dorothy and I are saddened by the loss of our friend George Burke. George was a first class public servant and a one-of-a-kind personality who helped make Northern Virginia the great place to live, work and raise a family that it is today. We will miss George's friendship and his sharp wit, but his legacy will certainly live on in the many contributions he made to the lives of his fellow Virginians and Americans."
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker: "George Burke embodied everything it means to be a Virginia Democrat. A passionate fighter for working families, his life's work was serving the people, whether as a journalist, firefighter, Congressional aide or Democratic leader. His brilliant mind was always at work for our Commonwealth.
There wasn't a corner of Virginia politics or its people that George didn't know. A mentor to many, especially young Democrats, George never stopped working to build the Democratic Party. All Virginia Democrats knew he was just a phone call away for advice, counsel and support.
Words cannot convey how much we shall miss George, but today a grateful Democratic Party of Virginia reaffirms our commitment to our Democratic values in his honor."
Doris Crouse-Mays, President of Virginia AFL-CIO: "The labor family in Virginia is deeply saddened by the loss of our IAFF brother George Burke. He always stood up for working families, devoting his talents and activism to making life better for working people. George was a loyal friend and we will miss him terribly."