“We join our fellow South Carolinians and Americans of goodwill everywhere in mourning Wednesday’s senseless murder of our friend, the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, and eight other worshipers at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Our hearts are broken for the families of those lost, the community of Charleston, and the nation.

“As a state senator, Rep. Pinckney worked with Common Cause on whistleblower protections, conflict of interest and campaign finance issues. He was an eloquent and tireless advocate on behalf of the public interest and we were honored to work with him.

“This tragic event evokes so many awful memories of other difficult days in our long journey toward racial justice and reconciliation. Today, we honor the memory of those lost on Wednesday by re-dedicating ourselves to completing that journey.”