“Like many who have served in the Capitol, I watched him rise through the ranks to become a great champion of the rights and dignity of working men and women.

“His dedication, and his determination, to better the lives of workers and their families extended beyond the workplace and into the halls of power, where he was very active and very involved.

“If he believed that you were the kind of person who would keep the door open to workers and the issues that were important to them, he would encourage you to run.

“And then he’d offer you advice and support, and you knew that if Miguel was behind you he was truly behind you, because he did not do things half-heartedly.

“Miguel was the driving force behind a newly energized labor movement in Los Angeles County – giving workers a powerful voice on the job and in civic affairs.

“Miguel’s life ended far too soon – and I don’t think we will see the likes of him again. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”