From Deseret News archives:
Rep. Lantos, Holocaust survivor and friend of BYU, dies at 80
Lantos said in January that he had cancer of the esophagus and would resign at year's end rather than seek a 15th two-year term representing California's 12th District. Lynne Weil, a spokeswoman for Lantos, said he died Monday morning at Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland of complications from cancer.
Lantos in 1983 co-founded the Human Rights Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers that uses briefings and visits by world leaders to speak out for victims of political, religious, ethnic and racial persecution around the globe. He also was a leading advocate for Israel.
"He was a great champion of religious liberty," said Bob King, the Democrat congressman's chief of staff for more than two decades.
While he was extremely proud of his Jewish heritage, Lantos also had strong ties to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, King said.
His wife, whom he married in 1950, was a member of the LDS Church. The couple had helped the LDS Church host various events in Washington, D.C., over the years, such as the Christmas lighting ceremonies at the temple there.
"It gave the letter great credibility with other members of Congress if a Holocaust survivor can sign it, anybody can," King said. "And it gave it great credibility in Israel."
In 2001, Lantos spoke at BYU's commencement ceremony. Alongside LDS apostle Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Lantos was awarded an honorary doctorate from the university.
If the juxtaposition seems odd a Holocaust survivor and liberal California politician making good in Utah that was just Lantos, King said.
"He disagreed with Newt Gingrich on most issues, but they were great friends," he said. "They stayed up into the late hours discussing Hungarian history. Then they went out and voted against each other."
President Bush said in a statement that Lantos "was a living reminder that we must never turn a blind eye to the suffering of the innocent at the hands of evil men." Flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff in his honor.
Recent comments
Rep. Lantos was the MAN. I transcribe Congressional hearings for my...
FNS Homey | Feb. 12, 2008 at 7:58 p.m.
How wonderful to read in the news about such a man as Rep. Lantos...
Carol Andersen | Feb. 12, 2008 at 6:34 p.m.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:10 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:09 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Utah Utes campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Visit to paradise nightmarish for Ags 12:32 a.m.
- Utes struggling to shake starts 12:31 a.m.
- Cougars' execution flawless 12:30 a.m.
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings 12:17 a.m.
- 3A football: Tigers pull away 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: 'Immigrant' children needy 12:12 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
207 - Dirk does dirty work in Dallas
190 - Lobo suspended
171 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
128 - House passes health care bill
111 - RSL rallies to advance
102 - Prep football: San Juan vs. S. Sevier
102 - Thousands protest health bill
100 - Provo company innovating engines
98
Nothing proposed would keep young adults from learning of the reality of sex,...
the only "decent" team we played we lost to? I guess that Air Force isn't a...
I am watching the game again, and it is awesome!!!
I can't help but laugh inside when I read comments from YBU/TCU fans who...
(from the independant) I like Dennis Miller.... and Bill Maher, although I...
As a BYU alumnus, I can't justify to myself ever donating another dollar to...
Not a chance. Don't get me wrong they are both studs, but if Asiata wasn't...
Titan Fan, sorry that some of your best players got hurt. I hope they...
So sad how fear based so many are.
Will the Jazz even make the playoffs this year. The way they are playing it...

