Former Local US Congressman Dies at 69

Former Rep. Bob Edgar, who represented the Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District for six terms, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning at his Virginia home.

After Congress, the Democrat went on to to lead the National Council of Churches, and became president of Common Cause, a position he still held.

Edgar grew up in Springfield and attended public schools, according Congress’ Biographical Directory.

A press release on the Common Cause website expresses their sadnesses at Edgar’s death and talks about his tenure in Congress:

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974 to represent the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania, Bob was part of the congressional class nicknamed "the Watergate babies," those elected in the wake of the Watergate scandal and who led sweeping reforms of Congress.

During six terms in the US House, Bob led efforts to improve public transportation, fought wasteful water projects and authored the Community Right to Know provision of Super Fund legislation. He also served on the House Select Committee on Assassinations that investigated the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. Bob also served on the Veterans Affairs Committee, working on issues around Agent Orange and readjustment counseling to treat post traumatic stress disorder.

Bob ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate in 1986 against Sen. Arlen Specter.

An official cause of death has not been reported, but the progressive website Cap Times is reporting that Edgar suffered a heart attack while exercising.

Pennsylvania has lost a good man and a dedicated public servant.  From his early days as one of the founders of the People’s Emergency Center to the 12 years he spent representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 7th District, Bob was committed to serving the public.  He had a heart for people and did his best as a minister, legislator and corporate executive to do what he could to meet their needs. He will be missed, not just by his family, but by the thousands whose lives he touched, mine included. -Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA) said in a statement released Tuesday evening.

Edgar was 69 years old.