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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release December 15, 1998

                     STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE
              ON THE DEATH OF JUDGE A. LEON HIGGINBOTHAM, JR.

Tipper and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr.

For 34 years, he served the federal court with distinction and honor. A strong advocate for civil rights, Judge Higginbotham's passionate writings and speeches about issues of race and justice touched many Americans.

Even after retiring, Judge Higginbotham worked tirelessly to promote democracy in South Africa. I had the good fortune of joining Judge Higginbotham in the U.S. delegation to South Africa for Nelson Mandela's inauguration. Our nation will miss his wisdom and his courage.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, and his four children.

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