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The National Democratic Institute (NDI) mourns the passing of Abner Mikva,
who served his country in all three branches of government -- as a
Congressman from the Chicago area, as chief judge of the United States
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and as White House counsel
under President Clinton. "Ab Mikva represented my hometown in Illinois,
said NDI President Kenneth Wollack. "In my family, he was revered as a
legal scholar, a liberal icon, and a politician of the highest integrity.
He embodied the best traditions of public service and inspired a younger
generation of activists." Even after leaving public life, Mikva remained
committed to democratic politics. He and his wife Zoe established the Mikva
Challenge, which engages inner-city youth in the political process.

Mikva, who served on the Institute's Senior Advisory Committee, co-led two
NDI international observer missions to the 2004 presidential elections in
Ukraine, from where his parents had immigrated. The first mission found
that "fundamental flaws in the process subverted its legitimacy," pointing
to "systematic intimidation, overt manipulation and blatant fraud." That
poll triggered the so-called Orange Revolution followed by a repeat
election a month later. The second Mikva-led delegation observed a very
different election which was largely peaceful, orderly and credible.

"Whether at home or abroad, Abner Mikva stood for democratic rights and
personal freedom," Wollack said. "We at NDI will always honor his legacy.