Ohio Rep. Gillmor found dead in his apartment

WASHINGTON - Paul Gillmor, a conservative Republican whose U.S. political career covered four decades, has died, party officials said.

As a member of the House of Representatives he was a little-known but solid Republican vote, a reliable conservative on social issues, and a strong proponent of the military.

There was no immediate word on the cause of Gillmor's death.

The governor of the Midwestern state Gillmor represented, Ohio, is a Democrat and could name a member of his party to replace him, thereby slightly increasing the Democrats' control of the 435-seat House. Democrats hold the majority 233-202.

"Born, raised and educated in our home state of Ohio, Paul never lost sight of the reason he came to Congress _ to serve this great institution and his constituents with dedication and distinction," House Republican Leader John Boehner, also of Ohio, said in a statement.

The body of the 68-year-old congressman was found by staff members who went to his apartment Wednesday after he failed to show up for work, according to a Republican aide who spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.

Gillmor's office did not respond to a reporter's call.