Tough Break For Number #15

Former athlete and congressman Jack Kemp, age 73 has been diagnosed with cancer. Here’s the AP report:

Jack Kemp’s office says the former housing secretary, congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback has been diagnosed with cancer.

A brief statement says Kemp is undergoing tests to determine the origin of the disease and how to go about treating it. The type of cancer was not disclosed.

In the meantime, Kemp says he will continue to serve as chairman of his Washington-based Kemp Partners consulting firm and will remain involved in his charitable and political work.

After his football career, Kemp represented western New York for nine terms in Congress, leaving the House for an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1988. He later served as President George H.W. Bush’s housing secretary and ran for vice president as Bob Dole’s running mate.

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) adds:

“Jack Kemp has inspired a generation of conservatives with his unyielding commitment to freedom and free-market policies. Like millions of other Americans, I was saddened today to learn of his illness. My thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Joanne, and the Kemp family as Jack battles to defeat cancer. We need the strong, confident voice of Jack Kemp in the national dialogue as our country confronts the challenges that lie ahead.”