In Tribute: Hon. Robert T. Matsui

Dear Friend,

It is with great sorrow that we write to you today about the passing of beloved Sacramento Congressman and DCCC Chairman Robert T. Matsui. In recent months, Congressman Matsui had been battling Myelodysplastic Disorder (MDS), a rare stem cell disorder that causes an inability of the bone marrow to produce blood products, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. He succumbed to complications caused by pneumonia on New Year’s Day.

In his 26 years in Congress, he was a leading defender of Social Security, a crusader for economic justice, and an embodiment of Democratic values at their finest. Few people were aware that as a very little boy, Congressman Matsui was imprisoned along with his parents in an internment camp shortly after our nation’s entry into World War II. Despite this experience, he retained a passionate love of his country that drove him to serve it, and during an accomplished tenure he helped make amends for the internment that he and so many others endured. A better celebration of the beauties of our democracy can scarcely be imagined.

Congressman Matsui was known for his kindness, civility, and integrity, and enjoyed a deep respect from both sides of the aisle. For us at the DCCC, he was, quite simply, our beloved leader, and his fighting spirit inspired us all. Whether it was protecting Social Security or working to help America’s workers, his values were guided by a love for his fellow Americans, and indeed his fellow man. His life and death will be our greatest motivation to fight even harder as those values come under increasing attack.

He will be sorely missed, and we can have no higher aspiration than to carry on his legacy.

Jim Bonham
Executive Director
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee