We've lost one heckofa DFLer

[dflprincess]

When I was young and just getting involved I used to say I wanted to be Sue Rockne when I grew up. This is not a goal I have achieved.

Sue Rockne, a longtime DFL and abortion rights activist, has died at age 70 after a 13-year battle with leukemia.

Rockne, of Zumbrota, Minn., was a member of the Democratic National Committee for 12 years and a delegate to five Democratic national conventions. She was a charter member of the DFL Feminist Caucus and Minnesota Now, and was a frequent lobbyist at the state Capitol.
Rockne died Saturday at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Survivors include her husband, David, of Zumbrota, and a daughter, Lauri of St. Paul.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. March 19 at United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. Memorials are preferred to the Women's Shelter, Inc., Rochester, where Rockne was an 18-year board member.


This is the official statement from the state DFL

Sue Rockne served the DFL Party for decades as an activist, party leader, Democratic National Committeewoman and DFL Executive Committee member. Governors, senators, state legislators, as well as first-time candidates for local office sought Sue’s wise political counsel out. Sue was an absolutely tireless advocate and lobbyist for women’s rights. Her extraordinary energy and conviction and commitment to preserving a woman’s right to choose will never be forgotten by Minnesotans. She was awarded the Hubert H. Humphrey award by the DFL Party in 1992 for her lifetime of activism and powerful advocacy for Democratic values.

[ewagner]

1. Sad

It's a shame to lose one of that generation.....each time we lose one, it reminds me that it's our turn to take over the reins of leadership in activism......

[katinmn]

2. Women lost a legendary advocate.

I can't think of a tougher role than that of choice activist and lobbyist. Just thinking of the battles she fought wears me out.

[no name no slogan]

3. Sue was a true hero for many

I first met her in 1988, when I was a delegate to the state DFL convention. She was a true liberal who was not afraid to call it like it was, and had a fiesty personality. I remember she supported Paul Simon for president that year, and was a great advocate of his campaign.

The DFL is certainly going to miss Sue Rockne, but at least she has some peace.

[Demrock6]

4. I read about this today. With highest regaurds.

[Shananigans]

5. I had no idea!

I first met Sue while doing my internship at the capitol two years ago when she talked to a group of interns about her role in the abortion fight. For an "old bird" as I think she wouldn't mind being called, she was so full of passion and enthusiasm for her cause. From that day on I always held her in high esteem as someone I want to be like one day.

God bless her...