Family says former Democratic Rep. Ed Skinner dies at 78

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Ed Skinner, a former Democratic state representative from eastern Polk County, has died. He was 78.

Skinner's wife, Lois, says her husband died Monday night at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Additional information was not available.

Lawmakers observed a moment of silence for Skinner on Tuesday before Gov. Terry Branstad's Condition of the State address.

The Polk County Democrats' website says Skinner served in the Iowa Legislature between 1968 and 1972. A statement from the Iowa Democratic Party says Skinner was a "legend" who helped guide the state party.

Skinner was involved in a number of Polk County efforts, including scholarships at Southeast Polk Community School District.

Skinner continued to serve as an attorney in central Iowa after his tenure at the Capitol.