It is with great sadness that the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) learned of the passing of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), a longtime supporter of NED and a member of the Endowment’s Board of Directors from 2005-2011. He was 87. [Read more in Democracy Digest.]
“The entire NED family mourns the passing of Paul Sarbanes,” said NED President Carl Gershman. “He was an articulate and strongly committed defender of NED’s mission on the floor of the Senate in the 1990s, when our budget was frequently challenged and debated. He then became a member of the NED board and followed our programs closely, always providing wise counsel and guidance. When he visited NED for our board meetings, he would make a point to walk the halls and chat with staff about their work. He was a very kind and warm person – a cherished friend as well as a respected and widely admired colleague. He will be sorely missed and long remembered.”