Michigan officials react to former state Attorney General Frank Kelley s passing Free Press staff, Detroit Free Press
Word of former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley s death late Friday at age 96 drew an outpouring of remembrances Saturday from current and former Michigan officials. Here is what they said:
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Frank Kelley’s passing. Frank made history as the nation’s longest-serving attorney general. Those who have followed have been measured by the high bar he set for public service and consumer protection. It was an honor and a pleasure to serve with Frank in state government. And I am thinking of his family today as we mourn the loss of a true legend.”
U.S. and Michigan flags across the state have been lowered to half-staff to honor the life and service of the Eternal General , former Attorney General Frank J. Kelley.
Kelley, a Democrat, was the longest-serving attorney general in Michigan history, earning him the nickname as Michigan s eternal general’ for his 37 years of service. No previous attorney general served more than five. He was first appointed to the position in 1961 by Democratic Governor John Swainson and held office under five different governors, three of them Republicans. He butted heads often with Governor George Romney but worked well with moderate Republican governor Milliken and the rest.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Frank Kelley’s passing. Frank made history as the nation’s longest-serving attorney general. Those who have followed have been measured by the high bar he set for public service and consumer protection. It was an honor and a pleasure to serve with Frank in state government. And I am thinking of his family today as we mourn the loss of a true legend.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Dearborn, whose late husband, John Dingell, was a longtime friend of Kelley:
“Frank Kelley and John Dingell were friends for nearly 70 years, and he was a friend and mentor I could trust with my whole heart. He fought hard for the underdog, cared deeply about people, and cherished the role he played in protecting democracy and human rights.