WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Saturday issued the following statement on the passing of Billy Ciotto and David Pudlin:

 “I was seventeen when I cold called Billy Ciotto. I was a high school junior interested in government, and everyone told me Billy was the guy to call if you wanted to get involved. That year, 1991, Billy put me in charge of putting together and distributing lawn signs for the local Democratic candidates in Wethersfield. For the next thirty years, he never left my side. He was a mentor, a political ally, and a friend, and I can honestly say that I owe my career in politics to him. But I am not alone. Billy overflowed with compassion, and his exuberant, triumphant joie de vivre lit up every room he entered. Hundreds of people chose to become involved in civic life because of the example Billy set. He changed our state, like few other people of his generation.

“Dave Pudlin was an intellectual and political giant, who midwifed the progressive movement into maturity during his time in politics. When no one gave me a shot to beat an entrenched incumbent in my first State Representative race, Dave Pudlin, then the incoming House Majority Leader, threw caution to the wind and got behind my longshot campaign. Like so many others, I relied on his acumen for political organizing over many campaigns. His wit was legendary, his heart was true, and while he left us too soon, his beloved hometown of New Britain and his state are better off for his work and life,” Murphy said.

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