SPRINGFIELD - Green Party congressional candidate Vic Roberts died this weekend, shortly after marching in a July 4 parade.

The 75-year-old former coal miner from Taylorville died overnight at his home and was running for Congress in the 19th Congressional District.

Roberts had run for office before as a Democrat and was well known for wearing a coal mining helmet in order to show support for working-class people.

"That was just a symbol of something more important," said Rich Whitney, the Green Party candidate for governor in 2006.

Roberts himself reiterated that view at a Springfield campaign stop this February.

"To be sure, I, if elected to Congress, can and will represent the laboring class people, because I am one, too," Roberts said at the time.

Roberts was running against Republican U.S. Rep. John Shimkus and Democrat Daniel Davis toward the Nov. 8 election.

News of Roberts' death was shocking to those who also marched in Taylorville's July 4th parade the day before.

"I was saddened to learn of Vic's passing. I just saw him in Taylorville at the Fourth of July parade," Shimkus said in a statement. "You have to admire Vic's commitment and dedication to his beliefs. I want to express my sympathy to his family and friends."

Roberts is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and many sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sangamon County Green Party chair Marc Sanson said the party likely will gather to find a replacement for Roberts on the November ballot. Sanson said Roberts' wife called Saturday morning to suggest the party move on because he would have wanted that.

"He'll be remembered as a fighter, that's for sure," Sanson said.