'Shocked and Saddened': Political Leaders React To Death Of Md. Gubernatorial Candidate Kevin Kamenetz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Officials across Maryland reacted to the news of Thursday's early morning death of Baltimore County executive and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kevin Kamenetz.
Kamenetz, 60, died from cardiac arrest just after 3 a.m. He is survived by his wife and two teenage sons.
RELATED: Md. Gubernatorial Candidate, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz Dies At 60
Political allies and rivals alike reeled from the sudden death of Kamenetz, who left an empty office at the peak of his career.
"I thought, he's ready. You could just feel it, and you knew it," Baltimore County Councilwoman Vicki Almond said.
Almond added that she watched her colleague, a challenger for the governor's office, thrive on the campaign trail.
"I thought to myself, he seems to be the fittest he's ever been. He's full of energy and physically, he seemed to be in great shape. I thought, 'Wow, he is really running this race for governor,'" Almond said.
His opponent, in the state's top office said on Thursday that he praised the man who sought to unseat him.
"He was a man who dedicated his life to public service and spent decades working for the people of Baltimore County," Gov. Larry Hogan said. "It's a very sad day."
The First Lady and I are shocked and grieved by the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Our prayers go out to his family and many loved ones this morning.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 10, 2018
State leaders mourned a true public servant, while city leaders were shocked and saddened.
"Considered him a friend, someone you could always have a conversation with, a great supporter of Baltimore City," Mayor Catherine Pugh said.
Kevin was an ardent supporter of Baltimore City, who was a regular in our restaurants, cultural venues and at our major team games. I considered him a friend and colleague, and admired him for his commitment to pursuing the best interests of Baltimore County residents, even
— Mayor Catherine Pugh (@MayorPugh50) May 10, 2018
while advocating for all Marylanders in his pursuit to be governor. Our hearts go out to his wife Jill and their two sons, and the many who cherished his friendship, easy smile and determined spirit.
— Mayor Catherine Pugh (@MayorPugh50) May 10, 2018
Those who shared the political stage with Kamenetz shifted focus in the wake of tragedy.
"Our hearts and prayers are just focused on his family, his wife, his children," Baltimore County Council Chair Julian Jones said.
His best legacy, according to friend and former Baltimore County Councilman Sam Moxley. But also a wider loss for the citizens of Baltimore County who he says lost a brilliant leader.
"He was always thinking. He was always thinking, looking around, and if someone was talking to him, he was thinking of what they were saying and reviewing all of the facts that he knew in his mind. It was like a computer working," Moxley said.
Everyone who spoke to WJZ's Kimberly Eiten said their main concern is for the Kamenetz family -- ahead of what happens next in the political arena.
Other reactions are below:
I am shocked by the sudden passing of Kevin Kamenetz. My prayers are with his family, and to all who share the deep loss I feel today.
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) May 10, 2018
I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. My heart is with his family and the entire Baltimore County community. Kevin dedicated himself to our community and his good works are all around us. He will be deeply missed.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) May 10, 2018
Genuine shock and sadness on the passing of my friend Kevin Kamenetz. Prayers to his wife Jill and the entire Kamenetz family.
— Doug Gansler (@DougGansler) May 10, 2018
Kevin was one of the hardest working public servants I've ever met. He fought tirelessly for all of us, rebuilding crumbling schools, creating jobs, protecting Dreamers, and making us all feel welcome at Lake Roland Park. His passing is a loss for all Marylanders.
— Krish O'Mara Vignarajah (@KrishVignarajah) May 10, 2018
Even the Baltimore Ravens shared condolences: "This is stunningly sad news, and our hearts reach out to his wife Jill and teenage sons Karson and Dylan. Kevin is remembered as a champion for Baltimore County. His passion to help those who live and work here was sincere and impressive. He got things done. Kevin rooted for the Ravens. He brought his family to training camp each year, and he was sincerely interested in our team. Our deepest sympathy and our prayers go out to Kevin's family."
Ravens President Dick Cass on the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz: pic.twitter.com/VXx37doINf
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 10, 2018
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