Former US Rep. Gus Savage Dies At Age 90

CHICAGO (CBS) —One day after celebrating his 90th birthday, former Congressman Gus Savage died.

He served six terms in Congress representing Chicago's South Side. Savage was fiery and colorful -- at times controversial.

As a young man Gus Savage had been a civil rights activist and publisher of the Citizens newspapers, said to be the largest chain of black-owned community newspapers in the United States.

Congressman Danny Davis recalls Savage taking on the Democratic machine in his newspapers and by running unsuccessfully for political office, before his election to Congress in 1980.

Davis said Savage was a captivating talker, remembering the time they had a drink after marching in a parade.

"This was in the afternoon; we left there after 12 o'clock that night," Davis said.

Beloved in much of Illinois 2nd district, he was a critic of the
Israeli government who once said -- in his words -- "wealthy racist Jews" contributed to an opponent's campaign.

"There were times yes when you probably made some comments that could be interpreted in a different way but I never thought as Gus as being anti-any kind of racial or ethnic group," Davis said.

Savage was accused of sexually harassing a Peace Corp worker in Africa. Reporters asked tough questions and he could be combative.

In 1992, Gus Savage lost his re-election bid to Mel Reynolds, who later was forced out of office in disgrace.

Congressman Davis says Savage inspired a generation of younger politicians.

"He was greatly admired," Davis said. "He was a leader for many people like myself."

Gus Savage's son said the former congressman celebrated his birthday Friday night with his family and close friends and Saturday morning was found unresponsive in his bed.