Tony Blankley RIP

Ace columnist, op-ed writer and commentator Tony Blankley made the passage last night, succumbing to a long bout with stomach cancer. He was 63.

Tony Blankley was not only a top columnist, but someone whom had seen things from the inside. He spent six years in the Reagan Administration as a speechwriter and senior policy analyst, and from 1990 to 1997 he served as press secretary and general adviser to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich during the Contract With America days.

What I always liked about his stuff was the way that he combined his sensibilities with the fervor of an articulate conservative and a naturalized American citizen.

His columns on national security issues were always a particular favorite of mine, He had an almost instinctive feel for these matters and you always came away with a fresh perspective. And he was one of a select group of people who have not only an innate understanding of American politics but the ability to communicate it.

He'll be missed.