Georgia Democrats on Bell: ‘An extraordinary Georgian’

From the state Democratic Party:

ATLANTA - Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd released the following statement on the passing of former Attorney General Griffin Bell. Bell, who served as Attorney General under President Jimmy Carter, was a native of Americus and passed away today in Atlanta.

“Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Griffin Bell, and although we are saddened by the loss of a great statesman, we honor his memory and the contributions he made throughout a career of public service. I feel a deep personal loss today, because of Judge Bell’s close relationship with my family, but his true legacy transcends personal relationships. As Chief of Staff to former Governor Ernest Vandiver, he was a principal architect of the plan to desegregate schools in Georgia. As a federal judge, he worked to implement the Civil Rights Act, and as Attorney General in the Carter Administration, he fought to improve the credibility and professionalism of the US Department of Justice. These are just a few of the extraordinary accomplishments of an extraordinary Georgian.

“He leaves us with a legacy of devotion to a greater good and commitment to the citizens not only of his country but of the world.”