Emilie Holroyd, 1934-2009

Emilie Holroyd, described as "a longtime fixture in West Virginia Democratic politics and a frequent representative of her state at the party's national conventions," died Monday at age 74, The Associated Press reports.

A party official said Holroyd died "at Princeton Community Hospital following a long, undisclosed illness."

U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-W.Va., each issued statements honoring Holroyd. The Bluefield Daily Telegraph has additional details and reactions. The Charleston Gazette and the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington also have items.