Posted on 11/03/2008 1:11:47 PM PST by Fred
NEW YORK—Terence Tolbert, a longtime political operative in New York who directed Barack Obama's presidential campaign in the swing state of Nevada, died of a massive heart attack just two days before the election. He was 44.
Tolbert was stricken at about 8 p.m. Sunday while driving alone near the campaign offices in North Las Vegas. He was taken to nearby North Vista Hospital, where he died. No one else was injured and no accident report was filed, campaign spokeswoman Kirsten Searer said.
Tolbert lived in Harlem and had left his job as the chief lobbyist for New York City's public schools at the state capital in Albany to work for the Democratic presidential nominee.
He previously worked as chief of staff to Democratic state Assemblyman Keith Wright and in other government and campaign posts.
"I was shocked and saddened to learn about the passing of our Nevada state director, Terence Tolbert," Obama said in a statement Monday. "Terence was a strong force in this campaign, with a positive outlook that brought people together. ... His enthusiasm, talent, and warm heart will truly be missed."
Obama spoke with Tolbert's widow, Freida Foster-Tolbert, to offer his condolences.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tolbert was a personal friend.
"Terence was not only somebody who was one of the most likable people in the world, he was one of the most hardworking people in the world," Bloomberg said. "He had great judgment and a great Advertisement feel for people, and this really is a great tragedy."
Tolbert worked on the 2005 re-election campaign of Bloomberg, a Democrat-turned-Republican-turned independent, and on the campaigns of Democratic politicians including Sen. Charles Schumer, former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and former presidential hopeful John Edwards.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Obamacide?
Prayers for his family.
I’m sorry to hear this. I’ll wait until Friday after all the violence to tell you how sorry.
Tragic news. R.I.P.
Nairobicide
So ole terry had a ‘heart attack’, the Nevada mob is going ‘high tech’.
He was a Democrat, so most likely he already voted in NY, NV, FL, PA, OH, and at least six other states.
44?!! Very sad.
More likely is unfavorable internal polls.
Coke stroke?
Any chance it might be catching?
But that being said, contest his vote.
That's the advantage of early voting.
Let’s see the Toxicology Report.
I feel sorry for his family and say a prayer for them. I will also wait to hear the results of the autopsy
I’ll bet that he still votes tomorrow.
hopefully he made preparations for the next life.
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