Statement of Bob McDonnell on Passing of Former Virginia House Speaker John Warren Cooke

RICHMOND- Virginia Governor-elect Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this afternoon following news of the passing yesterday of former Virginia House of Delegates Speaker John Warren Cooke at his home in Mathews.

“John Warren Cooke was a son of Virginia. As a public servant, newspaperman and private citizen he was warmly regarded by those who worked with him in his many pursuits and capacities. The child of an Episcopal priest who served under General Robert E. Lee, The Richmond Times-Dispatch appropriately notes that Cooke ‘had a foot in three centuries.’ During his time as Speaker he sought to include members of the opposite party and those with differing political viewpoints. He was an ardent proponent of greater transparency in the General Assembly. His life was long and productive, and he contributed greatly to his community and our Commonwealth. Our thoughts and prayers are with Speaker Cooke’s family, and his many friends, in this difficult time.”