December 16, 2005 (WASHINGTON, DC) – On December 10, 2005, Americans lost a notable public servant in former Minnesota Senator and presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy.  Senator McCarthy, 89, lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease at a retirement home in Washington, DC.

Born in Watkins, Minnesota, Senator McCarthy began as a teacher in various public schools and a professor of economics and education.  McCarthy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1949, representing Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District.  He served there until 1959, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he remained until 1971.  In 1968, Senator McCarthy ran against presidential incumbent Lyndon Johnson, only to lose after a contentious and historic campaign, to Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey.  Senator McCarthy was an extensive author as well as a published poet.

“The Parkinson’s disease community, Minnesotans and America lost a remarkable figure in Senator McCarthy," said PAN Executive Director Amy L. Comstock. “No one will forget the long service of Gene McCarthy, and the important impact he had on American politics.  Each time we lose another American to Parkinson’s disease, it reinforces the desperate need for attention to this devastating disease.�?
n’s disease, and the many millions more who suffer from other debilitating diseases and disorders.�? 

The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) is the leading advocacy voice of the Parkinson’s community—more than one million Americans and their families.  Through education and interaction with the Parkinson’s community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN leads the fight to ease the burden and find a cure.  PAN increases awareness about Parkinson’s disease and seeks federal support for Parkinson’s research.  For more information on the Parkinson’s Action Network, or to get involved, please visit www.parkinsonsaction.org or call 1-800-850-4726.

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