Former GOP Rep. John Buchanan, an Alabama moderate, has died

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – John H. Buchanan Jr. has died. The moderate Republican represented Alabama in Congress and later served as spokesman for People for the American Way.

A funeral home obituary says Buchanan died Monday at age 89. He lived in Rockville, Maryland.

Buchanan was a Tennessee native who was raised in Birmingham, where he was elected to Congress in 1964 after serving as a pastor. He supported civil rights during his 16 years in Congress. A conservative Republican defeated him in 1980, but he remained active in international affairs and human rights work.

Buchanan was a spokesman for the progressive organization founded by television producer Norman Lear, and a director emeritus when he died.

Buchanan is survived by two daughters. A memorial service is planned for Saturday in Washington.