Tsongas suspends campaign activities after sister's death
Early this morning Niki Tsongas learned that her sister Suzanne Sauvage passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at her home in New York. Tsongas will be suspending her personal campaign activities until further notice.
"All of us are very saddened to learn of the passing of Niki’s sister Suzy," Tsongas spokeswoman Katie Elbert said in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies are with Niki and her family during this difficult time."
While Tsongas herself won't be participating in campaign events, previously scheduled events will continue to take place. Ellen Murphy Meehan, the campaign chairwoman, will stand in for Tsongas at a Boston fundraising brunch on Sunday with Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi. Campaign volunteers will also proceed with a districtwide canvass tomorrow.
"People form the campaign are standing in for Niki while she takes her personal time," Elbert said. "People volunteering for Niki want to show their support for her."
Her chief opponent, Republican Jim Ogonowski, issued a statement this afternoon: "I want to offer Niki my sincere condolences," he said. "I know how hard it is to lose a sibling unexpectedly and how painful it can be. This is a tough time for the Tsongas and Sauvage families and my heart goes out to them; especially Suzanne's children. I ask everyone to keep Niki and her family in their thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time."
