Tributes pour in for Sen. Scheid
Sen. Linda Scheid, DFL-Brooklyn Park, died this afternoon. Her son, Scott, told MPR News that Scheid slipped away this afternoon. Scheid entered hospice care last month after a six-year fight with ovarian cancer. MPR and the Star Tribune have looks at Scheid's career and life.
Family and friends have been posting tributes on Scheid's Caring Bridge site and her Facebook page.
Several others have issued statements to the press.
Gov. Dayton issued this statement:
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"I deeply regret the passing of my good friend, Senator Linda Scheid. Linda and I served together in state government during three different decades. She was smart, hard-working, and independent. Linda always did what she believed was right and what was best for the people she served. She will be missed by all of us."
GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch posted this statement on her Twitter page when she learned of Scheid's death:
Senator Linda Scheid will be greatly missed. Prayers for her family.
DFL Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk released this statement:
"Linda was a good friend, a trusted colleague and a dedicated public servant. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the Senate and our state.
While we mourn her passing, it's important that we celebrate and recognize Linda's tremendous career, as well as the difference she made in the lives of so many Minnesotans. Linda was an inspiration to many both inside and out of the Capitol, and will be remembered for her strength, her passion, her independence and her commitment to doing what was best for the people of Minnesota."
DFL Party Chair Ken Martin also released this statement:
"Today, the DFL Party lost one of our strongest leaders, whose service has improved our state for decades. Sen. Scheid dedicated her career to helping young Minnesotans, and touched countless lives. She will be missed.
"Sen. Scheid was a leader on education, fighting to provide a quality public education to our state's children and young adults. She fought for fair elections, and consistently stood up for small businesses to boost our state economy. She had a stalwart commitment to equality and justice and a personal touch that helped not only her constituents, but Minnesotans around the state.
"Linda has been a role model for women in politics and a model for all people looking to make a difference in their communities. Her selfless and tireless approach to governing - focusing on giving back and serving others - set a standard for all who choose a life in government. And her sense of humor and personality will be remembered by all who knew her. On behalf of the DFL Party, I offer our condolences to her family and our gratitude to Linda for her years of service."