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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following statement after learning of the passing of Richard Bates. Bates was the longtime Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the Walt Disney Company after previously serving as Executive Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"Richard Bates was adored by all who knew him. Whether in his time at Disney or at the helm of the DCCC, he was universally respected among his peers who knew that his word could be trusted. More than a colleague in Washington, Richard was an honorable friend who cherished the humanity of and incited joy in everyone he encountered. He was one of the most decent human beings I've ever known; a man who I still love dearly and who touched the lives of more people than we'll ever know. He will be missed but his memory and spirit will carry on for generations."

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