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Dean Barnett, RIP

Submitted by Patrick Ruffini on Mon, 10/27/2008 - 16:34
in

Dean Barnett, whose star rose quickly in the blogosphere, has died at age 41. His unique voice will be missed in the decisive days and months to come.

For about a year, Dean and I shared a blog home at Hugh Hewitt's blog. Though we sometimes disagreed about on tactical matters, his writing was always incisive and unfailingly thoughtful and free of vitriol. Everyone here at The Next Right joins Dean's family, colleagues, and thousands of readers in mourning this tragic loss.

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Dean Barnett: A sweet, kind man who will be missed

Submitted by lagomorph on Mon, 10/27/2008 - 16:55.

No matter how bad the traffic is, I always have something to look forward to on the ride home every night when I listen to Hugh Hewitt's radio show.  That's where I was introduced to Dean Barnett, who filled in for Hugh many times.  Often when a guest host fills in for a favorite talk radio host, it's a disappointing channel-changing opportunity but Dean's colorful Boston accent and humble, homespun personality won me over immediately.  He often spoke of his wife, and it was obvious that he was a happily married family guy as well as a very insightful conservative analyst (much like Hugh).  I'm surprised to learn his age, because his wisdom far exceeded his years. 

The great Jim Geraghty has a sweet, thoughtful piece on Dean at National Review's Campaign Spot.  I only knew Dean as a Hewitt fan and never met him in person, but I feel very sad this afternoon and my heart goes out to his friends and family who are mourning his loss.

Terrible news

Submitted by kos on Tue, 10/28/2008 - 00:35.

I may not like many of you guys on the Right, but Dean was a class act and someone who was a true online friend. I'll miss him terribly.