BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), issued the following statement on the passing of Maryland Speaker of the House of Delegates Mike Busch.

“Marylanders are grieving the loss of one of their own today. Mike Busch was a force in Annapolis and he left a progressive imprint on the state that without hyperbole will last for generations. For me, and for Myrna, the loss is intensely personal. We have lost a dear friend and our hearts are broken while we mourn with his wife, his family, and his dedicated staff at the State Capitol.

“While we never served together in the House of Delegates, as a former Speaker, I watched Mike Busch’s ascent in Annapolis and saw throughout his career a public servant who put the people he served, his community and his family at the forefront of all he did.

“May his memory be a blessing to his family and all of those whom his life touched.”