The National Democratic Institute (NDI) mourns the passing of Abner Mikva, who served his country in all three branches of government -- as a Congressman from the Chicago area, as chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and as White House counsel under President Clinton. "Ab Mikva represented my hometown in Illinois," said NDI President Kenneth Wollack. "In my family, he was revered as a legal scholar, a liberal icon, and a politician of the highest integrity.  He embodied the best traditions of public service and inspired a younger generation of activists."  Even after leaving public life, Mikva remained committed to democratic politics. He and his wife Zoe established the Mikva Challenge, which engages inner-city youth in the political process. 

Mikva, who served on the Institute's Senior Advisory Committee, co-led two NDI international observer missions to the 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine, from where his parents had immigrated. The first mission found that "fundamental flaws in the process subverted its legitimacy," pointing to "systematic intimidation, overt manipulation and blatant fraud." That poll triggered the so-called Orange Revolution followed by a repeat election a month later. The second Mikva-led delegation observed a very different election that was largely peaceful, orderly and credible.

"Whether at home or abroad, Abner Mikva stood for democratic rights and personal freedom," Wollack said.  "We at NDI will always honor his legacy." 

Published on July 6, 2016