Crowley Political Report

Florida Congressman Bill Young, who served in the U.S. House of Represenatives for 42 years and as a state senator for 10 years, died at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He was 82.

Young recently shocked his home district - Pinellas County - by announcing on Oct. 9, that he would not run for reelection. 

Congressman Young's death follows the loss in September of retired Congressman E. Clay Shaw, who like Young was prominent and power Republican in the House of Representatives.

Tampa Bay Times reporter Andrew Meacham has written an excellent story marking Young's passing.  Many will be surprised at some of the details of Youngs life - particularly his childhood. The story is here.

This is the Young family statement:

 “U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young (FL-13) passed away this evening at The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the company of his family. The cause of death was complications related to a chronic injury. Information on services will be forthcoming.”

Twitter reactions:

Speaker John Boehner - The House has lost another dear friend http://j.mp/1bGHe5g  We'll miss Bill Young, as will countless others blessed by his life & service

Florida Agriculture Commission Adam Putnam who served with Young in the House - FL lost a statesmen tonight, in every sense of the word. Ppl will say they don't make 'em like Bill Young anymore. Truth is they never did.

Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis - Tonight, we lost a great leader & an even better friend. "Chairman" will be remembered for his pure/honest leadership

John Harwood, reporter MSNBC/NYTimes - RIP Bill Young & thx for serving America more than 4 decades as House member from St. Petersburg (where I started covering him 35 yrs ago)

Charlie Crist - My prayers are with the family of Congressman Bill Young. He served our county, state and country with distinction.

Congressman Vern Buchanan - Bill Young was a mentor. He was an inspiration to so many bc he personified the most important virtue of public service-he did it for others

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi - RIP Cong Bill Young. An advocate for veterans and Tampa Bay, and a great Floridian. Keeping Beverly and the Young family in my prayers.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio - Floridians have lost one of the greatest public servants we’ve ever had in our state’s history.