James Rhoades

James Rhoades, a Pennsylvania state senator since 1981, died in a car crash near Brodheadsville, after his vehicle collided with a truck. His wife was injured, but her life is not in danger, according to the senator's spokesperson.CNN: Car crash kills Pennsylvania state senator (October 18, 2008) The driver, Thomas Senavitis, was charged with vehicular homicide on January 14, 2009.Pocono Record: Pocono Man Arrested in Fatal Rhoades Crash; Alcohol Level Was 4... (January 14, 2009)

Rhoades served seven terms in the state senate and was running for his eighth; his opponents suspended their campaigns. Rhoades represented Schuylkill County and chaired the Education Committee. The governor said that "Jim was the number one advocate for school children in Pennsylvania."CitizenVoice: State Sen. James Rhoades dies... (October 19, 2008)

• Associated Press: PA. Man Charged in Fatal Collision with Lawmaker (January 14, 2009)

• WFMZ-TV 69News: Man Charged in Crash That Killed PA State Senator (January 14, 2009)

• Themorningcall.com: Motorist Expects Charges, Lawsuit in Sen. Rhoades' Death (January 10, 2009)

• (CitizensVoice.com: Rhoades Crash Probe Almost Done, Police Say (December 20, 2008)

• Star Tribune: Traffic accident kills longtime Pennsylvania state Senator... (October 18, 2008)

• MarketWatch: Governor Rendell Mourns Death of Sen. James Rhoades (October 18, 2008)

• CitizenVoice: State Sen. James Rhoades dies after car crash (October 19, 2008)

• Reading Eagle: Longtime state Sen. James J. Rhoades dead after traffic accident (October 19, 2008)

• Republican Herlad: Coal Region loses a friend in Rhoades (October 19, 2008)