Top Boehner Aide Dies Unexpectedly

A 46-year-old top aide to House Republican Leader John Boehner died suddenly, evidently from a heart attack, the minority leader announced Sunday.

"It is with profound sadness and shock that I announce the passing of Paula Nowakowski, my longtime chief of staff, trusted aide, and friend, who died suddenly last night. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow and disbelief I and every member of our team are grappling with today in the wake of this stunning news," Boehner said in a statement on his House leadership Web site.

"We will remember Paula as she would want to be remembered -- as a tireless worker, faithful friend, rabid Detroit sports fan, whip-smart strategist, warrior for freedom, and devoted Catholic who counted President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II among her greatest heroes. She will never be replaced, or forgotten," Boehner continued.

Nowakowski was a longtime aide to Boehner, starting in 1995 as his communications director and moving in 2001 to become staff director to the House Education and Workforce Committee Boehner chaired.

Nowakowski was a Cornell graduate who in 1994 helped compose then-Speaker Newt Gingrich's "Contract With America." In 2009, she was listed by Roll Call newspaper and the "Who Runs Gov" Web site as one of the most influential staffers on Capitol Hill.

Hill leaders, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Whip Eric Cantor issued their condolences shortly after Boehner's announcement.

"The entire Capitol Hill community is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Paula Nowakowski. As chief of staff to Republican Leader John Boehner, Paula earned the respect not only of her leadership and conference, but all House members on both sides of the aisle," Pelosi said.

"Paula was a thorough professional who loved the House and worked in a constructive and bipartisan fashion to implement policies to help the Congress function efficiently," she said.

"Paula's devotion to country made her a tireless worker and passionate advocate for working families -- particularly those facing difficult struggles in her beloved Michigan," Cantor, R-Va., said. "I will remember her strong belief in a balanced approach to governance, and her efforts as a consensus builder, which embodied the wishes and principles of our founders."