The Passing of Ed Koch

This morning, news broke that former New York City Mayor Ed Koch passed away at the age of 88.

Koch served as New York City Mayor from 1978-1989 and consisently showed himself to be a strong leader and capable politician. He was ever-present and his personality larger than life. Koch also spoke bluntly and sometimes, this didn't always serve his best interests. Furthermore, Koch was one of the more intellectually honest Democrats, showing himself to be a law and order politician as Mayor, and after his time in City Hall, fairly criticized fellow Democrats, and at times, supported Republicans, from his endorsement of George W. Bush in 2004 to his defense of Sarah Palin. Koch also deserves credit for getting the New York City resurgence started that blossomed under Rudy Giuliani.

Ed Koch WAS New York City and will be greatly missed by both Democrats and Republicans.