After a public battle with breast cancer over the past six years, progressive hero Elizabeth Edwards passed away today. She was 61 years old.

In 2007, Ms. Edwards was gracious enough to join us on our Annual AAPI House Party where she answered a variety of questions on immigration, hate crimes and other pressing issues. She came across as an articulate and thoughtful woman. I remember a lot of people saying they wish she had ran for President instead of her husband, Senator John Edwards. Elizabeth was a great supporter of the netroots and progressive movement and she will be sorely missed.

From the New York Times:

Mrs. Edwards posted a Facebook message to friends on Monday, saying, “I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope.” She added: “The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that.”

In a life of idyllic successes and crushing reverses, Mrs. Edwards was an accomplished lawyer, the mother of four children and the wife of a wealthy, handsome senator with sights on the White House. But their 16-year-old son was killed in a car crash, cancer struck her at age 55, the political dreams died and, within months, her husband admitted to having had an extramarital affair with a campaign videographer.

Here's an additional link where she discusses hate crimes legislation.