House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) has laryngitis today (we all wish him well), but he did release this statement on Weyrich’s death.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and mentor, Paul M. Weyrich.
“Paul M. Weyrich was a giant in American politics, an inspiring leader and a friend to generations of conservatives. As the chairman and chief operating officer of the Free Congress Foundation and first president of The Heritage Foundation, Paul M. Weyrich was a founding father of the modern conservative movement. His influence reached from the corridors of power in our nation’s Capital to the townhalls and churches of heartland America and he will be deeply missed.
“I also grieve the passing of Paul M. Weyrich with a sense of personal loss. I have benefited immeasurably from his counsel, friendship and Christian example. Like so many who admired him across this nation, I am certain that heaven is richer but my life is poorer because of the passing of Paul M. Weyrich. May God rest his soul and bring comfort to his family and friends during this time of loss.”