Buffalo-area Congressman Brain Higgins is joining the many in recalling former New York Governor Mario Cuomo who died on Thursday at the age of 82. Higgins said Cuomo eloquently expressed "the essence of what the Democratic Party has been in America."According to Higgins, Cuomo displayed that "we are a party that seeks to lay a foundation for the next generation so that they can achieve more than the previous generation did. I think it's that simple"
Higgins spoke during WBFO's "Morning Edition."
Congressman Higgins' office released the following statement regarding the passing of Mario Cuomo.
”Mario Cuomo rose from humble beginnings to represent the most honest and authentic of American success stories. Raised in a family of immigrants where English was his second language, he excelled both as a student and an athlete, and later as a lawyer fighting for residents of his beloved borough of Queens. A latecomer to elective office, he nonetheless excelled there as well, winning some and losing some, but always engaged in the great debates of his day. A brilliant orator and thinker, his was the Democratic Party's most articulate voice for a generation.
“As a young aspiring elected leader, I looked up to Mario Cuomo as a role model during the early years of my public service. Indeed, beginning at that time and carrying through to this day, I draw inspiration from his books, writings and speeches.
“Over the past several years, I was fortunate to come to know Mario Cuomo on a bit of a personal level. I was always honored to know him, and to benefit from his warmth, kindness and generosity.
“I'm certain that I join with all New Yorkers in extending to Mrs. Cuomo, to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the entire extended Cuomo family our most sincere condolences upon their loss, our loss, New York and America's loss."