Hila “Dutch” Newman passed away at the age of 95 early Wednesday morning. The trailblazer was a cornerstone for Kansas City Democratic politics for more than 60 years.
"Whether you were running for president or committee wardman, all across this region, the first person you had to talk to was Dutch Newman. Everybody just knew that,” said former Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders.
"Everyone that ran for president, really since John F. Kennedy, talked to Dutch Newman to get her blessing when they ran,” he said.
Newman reportedly got her start as a political leader in 1944 after aiding George Aylward’s successful campaign for Jackson County assessor. She represented Kansas City’s Fifth Ward as a Democratic committeewoman for decades and started the Westport Landing Democratic Club.
"The reality is, she didn't write big checks. She didn't have a powerful job. But what she was, was she was so gifted, so smart, so good at what she did, that everyone knew that if you were running in the state of Missouri or in this region, you had to give her a call and get her blessing. ... And it remained true for almost 60 years,” said Sanders.
"Long before there were other women really involved in politics, she was involved. And she wasn't just making coffee, she was making policy,” said Kansas City Councilwoman Katheryn Shields, who met the ‘grande dame’ of local Democrats shortly after college more than 40 years ago.
"And [Newman] was telling them what she thought about policy issues and about how they ought to run their campaigns if they want to be successful, and most of the time she was right,” she said.
But Newman not only used her intelligence and insight to act as a political advisor and liaison, she also used her influence for the greater good.
"I received hundreds of phone calls from Dutch, asking for things, but it was never for herself. It was always for somebody else,” said Sanders.
"When people would come, if their power was turned off in their house, if they couldn't afford Thanksgiving dinner, she was someone that would provide for people. And she kept a running list, up until she became very ill, of people in her neighborhood and of those in that fifth ward,” he said.
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) called Newman a “second mother.”
"She is such a shining example of how we should live our lives as people who care deeply about our country,” she said early Wednesday.
McCaskill said in a written statement:
“Dutch was like a second mother to me. She was warm and loving – and at the same time a tenacious and unrelenting institution of the Missouri Democratic party. There'll never be another one like her.”
Statement from Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Roy Temple:
“Dutch Newman was an institution in the Missouri Democratic Party. Generations of Missourians have been touched by her kindness and generosity. However, she will be remembered in equal measure for the determination and energy that drove her work to improve the community around her. Dutch was a loving mother, a proud Missourian, a true trailblazer for women in politics, and a dear friend. We will deeply miss her.”
Statement from the the Jackson County Democratic Committee:
Over the years, the number of high-profile officials that have paid their respects or honored her is too long to list but includes the likes of George McGovern and Tom Eagleton to Joe Biden and Barack Obama …
… Her impact truly cannot be overstated. Every candidate for city, county or state office (and sometimes national) longed for the approval of Dutch. Getting the opportunity to speak with her for a moment at events or over the phone was viewed as both critical politics and an honor. Even in her late years, she made every effort to hear from candidates and elected officials as well as show her support by attending major events around the area …
… Dutch touched hundreds of lives is a very meaningful and personal way. The landscape of Democratic politics, and therefore our very society, is better because of her. Our friend will be missed.
Former Rep. Karen McCarthy summarized Newman’s accomplishments well during a speech in 2001:
“She presently holds the following offices: President of the Westport Landing Democratic Club; President of the State of Missouri Federation of Women's Democratic Clubs; and Vice Chairwoman for the Jackson County Democratic Committee. She serves as a member of: the Democratic State Committee and their Executive Board; Committeewoman for the 5th Ward in Jackson County; Chairperson of State House District 38; and Secretary for the 5th Congressional District. Dutch was the first woman to be appointed by a Governor to sit on the committee for the Senatorial Redistricting of the State of Missouri. She was also the Kansas City Coordinator for Senator Hubert Humphrey's presidential campaign in 1968, and Missouri Coordinator for the National Campaign Conference for Democratic Women in Washington, D.C. She has been a Missouri Delegate at the National Democratic Convention for six presidential elections.”
Newman, who was a devout Hillary Clinton supporter and passed just hours following her official nomination for president, was also born on Aug. 18, 1920, the same day the 19th Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing women the right to vote.
Her funeral will be next Wednesday.
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Josh Helmuth can be reached at josh.helmuth@kshb.com
