Former Rep. John Adler Dies at 51

Former Congressman John Adler died today, according to legislators.

The 51-year-old Adler, a Democrat who served one term as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's third district before being defeated last year by Republican John Runyan, recently had emergency heart surgery after contracting a bacterial infection of the heart muscle, according to reports in the Asbury Park Press and Star-Ledger.

“We lost a great person today," said Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney in a statement released on his website this afternoon. "John Adler was a remarkable statesman, a dear colleague and a good friend. His commitment to public service and for doing what he believed was right is a testament to the kind of person he was.

“While we mourn his passing, John’s life serves as a shining example to all those who seek to make a difference through public service. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to John’s wife, Shelley, their children, family and friends.”

"Congressman Adler was a true example of what it means to serve the people," said Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, D-Essex/Passaic, in her own statement. "No matter what office he held, the Congressman always advocated fiercely for his constituents and those whose voices otherwise wouldn't have been heard. He was always at the forefront of the key issues of the day, whether it be ethics, education, a clean environment, public health or property tax reform.

"His passing is a tragic loss for our state, but his legacy of intelligent and classy leadership will not be forgotten. Every time we breath clean air at a restaurant, for instance, we can thank John Adler," said Oliver, referring to Adler's sponsorship of New Jersey’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which banned smoking in most public places.

"On behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly, I offer my prayers and condolences to Congressman Adler's family and friends at their time of grief," she said.

"John Adler was a talented, devoted public servant who worked with a special concern for the people he represented and all of New Jersey," said Democratic Senator Frank R. Lautenberg in a statement today. "My deepest condolences go out to John’s wife, Shelley, and his four sons. John will be missed, but his honesty of character will not be forgotten.”

Adler had joined Florham Park law firm Greenberg Traurig just last month, according to the company. He served in the State Senate from 1991 until his election to Congress in 2008.