Washington, D.C. –Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) issued the following statement today on the passing of Geraldine Ferraro, New York Congresswoman and the first U.S. female Vice Presidential candidate:

“Geraldine was a fearless and effective advocate for the environment, for the elderly and especially for women when we served together in the House of Representatives. She was a person of enormous character, purpose, and will always have a prominent place in the history of our nation. She added a magical quality to the 1984 Presidential contest that will last forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones on this truly sad day.”