WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), the Ranking Member of the Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, said he was "saddened to hear the news" that his colleague in Congress, Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH) has passed away.

"Congressman Gillmor was a fellow advocate in the cause of liberty. He will be surely missed by those of us who worked with him each day in Congress. We mourn his death and offer our prayers for his wife, Karen, his family, staff and constituents."

NOTE: Congressman Gillmor was first elected in 1988 to represent Ohio's 5th Congressional District. He served in the Ohio Senate for 22 years and was unanimously elected Republican Leader five times. He also served as President of the Senate for three General Assembly sessions. Gillmor graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Michigan Law School. During the Vietnam War, he served as an Air Force Judge Advocate.