Today the Vermont Republican Party announced the death of Sara Gear Boyd of Colchester, longtime Republican activist here and with the national party. She lost her battle with cancer, although in some ways her death was unexpected. She had fought back to many times and had planned to attend the Republican political convention in Minneapolis later this summer. She had been a delegate to every national convention since 1992.

For the past 16 years, Sara Gear Boyd served as Vermont's Republican National Committeewoman, one of the state's two representatives to the national party. She was serving the last months of her final term. Throughout her service she was active -- read that in leadership -- on committees such as budget, executive and platform.

She also had lengthy service in the Vermont Legislature, serving in both the House and Senate. She moved up quickly into leadership roles in both chambers, becoming House Majority Leader and later Senate Majority leader.

During her Senate years, she tangled with then Gov. Howard Dean, over property tax reform. He noted today that they had their differences, but noted, "I was saddened to learn of the passing of Sara Gear Boyd, who I had the honor of serving with for many years in the Vermont state legislature. We may not have always agreed on politics, but I always respected her commitment to our state and enjoyed working with her. Today, I join Vermonters in mourning her passing and offering my thoughts and prayers to her family."

Of course, Republican national leadership mourns her passing. RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan noted in a statement, "It is with great sadness that we mark the death of a true Republican leader, RNC Secretary Sara Gear Boyd. Her dedication and contributions to Vermont, the United States, and the Republican Party are vast.

He continued, "It is rare such a kind and driven person comes along – Sara will truly be missed by her colleagues here in the Republican Party as well as the Vermont Legislature."

-- Nancy Remsen