Political Quotes

“Thomas ``Lud'' Ashley was a tireless public servant who ably served Ohio and our nation for more than a quarter century. A World War II veteran, Lud was raised in Toledo in a family with deep Ohio roots and a strong sense of patriotism. Lud's brother William was killed in an army training accident in 1944. His great grandfather, James Ashley, represented Toledo and Ohio's 9th Congressional District as a Republican during the Civil War era, co-authoring the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery. As a member of Congress, Lud added to his great-grandfather's legacy, helping pass the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with fellow Ohio Republican Congressman Bill McCulloch. Lud was also a strong advocate for the Toledo area. To this day he is remembered for his role in securing federal support to build the Port of Toledo into one of the nation's key hubs for trade and industry. Though an unabashed Democrat, Lud was well-liked and respected on both sides of the aisle. That George H.W. Bush would count him among his best life-long friends certainly speaks to Lud's character. Lud will be missed, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”