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NEW YORK: T. Tolbert, led Obama campaign in Nevada

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

November 4, 2008

A longtime political operative from New York who directed Barack Obama's presidential campaign in the swing state of Nevada died of a heart attack just two days before the election at the age of 44.

Terence Tolbert was stricken about 8 p.m. Sunday while driving alone near the campaign offices in North Las Vegas. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died. No one else was injured, campaign spokeswoman Kirsten Searer said.

Tolbert lived in Harlem and had built a sparkling resume in his many years in New York politics, but the Obama campaign meant more to him than any other job, said Basil Smikle, a political consultant and longtime friend of Tolbert.

"He took his role there very seriously," Smikle said. "He may have given all that he had for it."

Tolbert had left his job as the chief lobbyist for New York City's public schools at the state capital in Albany to work for Obama. He had previously worked for Mayor Michael Bloomberg and as chief of staff to Democratic state Assemb. Keith Wright and in other government and campaign posts.

Obama said in a statement yesterday: "I was shocked and saddened to learn about the passing of our Nevada state director, Terence Tolbert. Terence was a strong force in this campaign, with a positive outlook that brought people together. ... His enthusiasm, talent, and warm heart will truly be missed." Obama spoke with Tolbert's widow, Freida Foster-Tolbert, to offer his condolences.

Tolbert became Obama's Nevada director in July, running the campaign in a state that has long been Republican territory. But Democrats and Obama have made inroads to the point that it could tilt Democratic today.

Bloomberg said Tolbert was a personal friend. Tolbert worked on Bloomberg's 2005 re-election campaign, and on the campaigns of Democratic politicians including Sen. Charles Schumer, former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and former presidential hopeful John Edwards.

Tolbert is survived by his wife and mother.