Attorney General Bill Lockyer Issues Statement on Death of Former State Senator Ralph Dills

Thursday, May 16, 2002
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

(LOS ANGELES) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer today issued the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ralph M. Dills:

"Few public servants can lay claim to the integrity, commitment and principles of Ralph Dills. I was fortunate to be Ralph's colleague in the state legislature over the last quarter century of a nearly 60-year career. As an educator, judge, Assemblyman and State Senator, Ralph always exemplified the best of the human spirit. He was always the first to extend a helping hand to those who lacked a voice in the political process. And he was never afraid to take a publicly unpopular stand when he knew he was right. Perhaps the best example of Ralph's commitment to his principles was when he was one of only two legislators to vote against the internment of Japanese-American citizens during World War II. We will miss his personal friendship and public service, but we will never forget his enormous contributions to California's great public accomplishments of the 20th Century."

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