Abner Mikva, Revered Hyde Park Politician, Dies

Abner Mikva, a prominent Chicago politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois and as the White House Counsel under Bill Clinton, died Monday at age 90.

Mikva was a longtime Hyde Park resident and lived in the community during his ten years representing Illinois’ 2nd District in the House. He earned his law degree at the University of Chicago and later taught law there.

Lisa Kohn, a Hyde Park resident, described Mikva as "a mentor and model for many in politics, social action and law. "

His distinguished political career included an appointment as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. under Clinton. In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom under

President Barack Obama, who also learned and received support from Mikva.

Mikva was first elected to the state of Illinois House of Representatives at age 30 and served that body for five terms before being elected to the U.S. House for another five.

Part of Mikva's time in the U.S. House of Representatives included serving Illinois' 10th District. Current 10th District U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, a Republican, said Tuesday Mikva "dedicated his life to public service."

Photo: Wikimedia Commons