Robert Novak Dead at 78

Conservative Chicago Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak died this morning at 78, after a year-long battle with brain cancer, the Sun-Times reports. Known, to his delight, as the “Prince of Darkness,” Novak’s “Inside Report” column has been syndicated since 1963. He was at the center of the Valerie Plame scandal, identifying her as an “operative” in his column.

"He was someone who loved being a journalist, loved journalism and loved his country and loved his family," said Novak's wife. "We at the Sun-Times will remember Bob as a generous friend and colleague, a tireless workhorse, an innovator in journalism, and an example of how to practice our profession," the paper said in an editorial.
(More Robert Novak stories.)