*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009 *

**Statement on the Death of Former Representative Jack F. Kemp **

*May 3, 2009 *

Jack Kemp's commitment to public service and his passion for politics influenced not only the direction of his party, but his country. From his tenure as a Buffalo Congressman to his ascent in national politics, Jack Kemp was a man who could fiercely advocate his own beliefs and principles while also remembering the lessons he learned years earlier on the football field: that bitter divisiveness between race and class and station only stood in the way of the common aim of a team to win.

Michelle and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Kemp family.** **

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Deaths :: Kemp, former Rep. Jack F.

*Names:* Kemp, Jack F.; Obama, Michelle.

*Subjects:* Deaths : Kemp, former Rep. Jack F.; New York : Former U.S. Representative, death.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD200900323.