[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 103 (Thursday, June 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO GEORGE STAFFORD

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, one of the most remarkable public servants 
in Kansas history was Frank Carlson, who served in this Chamber for 18 
years.
  During his career, Senator Carlson also served for 4 years as a 
member of the Kansas House of Representatives, 12 years in the U.S. 
House of Representatives, and 4 years as Governor.
  Senator Carlson did many great things in his career, including 
helping to draft Dwight Eisenhower for President in 1952.
  But I am here this morning to talk about another great thing that 
Frank Carlson did. And that is the fact that he brought George Stafford 
to Washington, DC.
  George passed away last week, and I wanted to take a minute to 
remember this outstanding Kansan and outstanding American.
  George was executive secretary to Frank Carlson during his term as 
Governor, and followed him to Washington as his Senate administrative 
assistant.
  He served in that role for 17 years with great intelligence and 
integrity, always reaching out to provide advice and support to young 
Kansans who were new in town.
  In 1967, then-President Johnson appointed George to serve on the 
Interstate Commerce Commission. He remained on the commission until 
1980, serving as its chairman for 7 years.
  George's years in Topeka and Washington are not the only examples of 
the service he gave to his country. He also defended freedom in World 
War II, rising to the rank of Captain, and receiving both the bronze 
star and the purple heart.
  Like many in Kansas and in Washington, I was proud to call George 
Stafford my friend.
  I know that Senator Kassebaum joins with me in extending our 
sympathies to Lena Stafford, George's wife of 48 years; his children; 
Bill, Susan, and Quincy; and his five grandchildren.


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