The Delaware Federation of Republican Women is mourning the loss of former Governor and Congressman Michael N. Castle.

A true friend to the DFRW, Gov. Castle was a unique man who worked his way up the entire Delaware political chain of command, one office at a time. Starting as a Deputy Attorney General, Gov. Castle was then elected to the State House of Representatives, the Delaware Senate, Lieutenant Governor under Pierre S. duPont, then two terms as Governor before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. There are few who could boast of these acheivements. Gov. Castle learned how government works and how to avoid political pitfalls, as he forged ways to get his agenda passed in the Delaware General Assembly.

Gov. Castle loved the political process and always took an active role in elections up and down the state. If there was a race, Gov. Castle was the first in line to door knock, raise money for candidates and support volunteer efforts, while handing out tried and true political advice, knowing what it took to get candidates across the finish line with a win.

Gov. Castle's decency, integrity and dedication as an honorable and effective public servant was always in his focus, supporting and improving education, healthcare and enviromental issues which made positive impacts for Delaware citizens for over four decades.

The DFRW will certainly miss the energy and political instincts of Gov. Mike Castle, and we send condolences to his family, as we all mourn the lose of a great Dealware trailblazer.