In today's polarized Congress, partisanship can extend even beyond this life.
When Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), 56, died Friday after a battle with cancer, colleagues took to Twitter to express grief and released statements on his death. Of 32 tweets from member accounts tracked by LegiStorm, 25 came from Republicans and seven were from Democrats. Of 17 releases, 12 were from Republican offices, four from Democrats and one was a joint statement.
Including retweets, the split in tweets was 30 to 7 in favor of Republicans.
The divide followed a similar pattern in 2013 after the death of Democratic New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, when Democrats were more likely to express their sorrow.
Reps. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), David Price (D-N.C.), Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) were the seven Democrats to tweet about Nunnelee, according to LegiStorm's Stormfeed tracking, since Friday. Most expressed sadness and prayers for his family.
"My condolences to the family of Rep. Alan Nunnelee who passed away this week after a long battle with cancer," Moore tweeted. "May his memory be a blessing."
Cárdenas appeared to be the only Democrat to mention Nunnelee's public service specifically, while Republicans were more likely to mention his work in Congress.
"Saddened to hear of the death of Rep. Alan Nunnelee of MS," Cárdenas tweeted. "They have lost a fine public servant, whose family are in our thoughts & prayers."
On the Republican side, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) tweeted about a moment of silence and lowering the flags to half staff and said Nunnelee "served this House with grace & distinction." Other Republicans added prayers for his family and appreciation for his role in Congress.
"Saddened to learn that my colleague, Rep. Alan Nunnelee, has passed away," Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) tweeted. "A good man that served the people of Mississippi well."
