[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 128 (Thursday, August 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S11340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page S 11340]]


             MARTHA PAYNE: A TRUE FRIEND AND PUBLIC SERVANT

  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to 
inform the Senate that I am losing one of my most dedicated and trusted 
staffers to retirement--Martha Payne of Columbia, SC. At the same time, 
I am happy for Martha and her family because she is going to have a 
whale of a time in what will be her best years ever.
  Since 1960 when she started working with me in the Governor's office, 
Martha has stood with me through thick and thin. Within months, her 
competence and commitment made her indispensable. At the end of my 
service as Governor when Senator Olin Johnston gave me a classic lesson 
in politics, I returned to Charleston to practice law and Martha 
assumed a position as manager of our State municipal association.
  Martha and I never lost contact. I relied upon her to keep me advised 
on happenings in State and municipal government, and as a conduit to 
old, and more importantly, new friendships. In 1965 when I decided to 
again seek election to this august body, the first person I asked to 
join my campaign was Martha Payne.
  Martha was the glue that held a fragile and inexperienced campaign 
together. She brilliantly bridged the gap between past Hollings 
supporters and thousands of new ones who rallied to our undermanned but 
committed cause. The victory we achieved in 1966 and all the victories 
in the 29 years since have, in no small measure, been Martha's 
victories.
  Since that victorious 1966 Senate campaign, Martha served as my 
office organizer. She has been an office manager and staff assistant in 
Columbia. Day after day, she has helped thousands of people throughout 
South Carolina. Her energy and dedication to serving our people, our 
State, and our country has made my job easier and our successes easier 
to accomplish.
  Through the many long and difficult days which saw some seek a safer 
haven elsewhere, Martha never waivered. She has always been there, has 
been supportive, and has been a true friend.
  Martha and her husband Rob first moved to Columbia from Monroe, NC, 
in 1950. They are the proud parents of three children--Rob Jr., a 
psychiatrist in Charleston Michael, a lawyer in Washington, DC; and 
Nancy, a teacher in Charleston--and grandparents of four. She and Rob 
will celebrate their 50th anniversary next May.
  Mr. President, I often think of Martha as South Carolina's living 
Rolodex. She is a library of knowledge and information. Perhaps the 
only thing more impressive than the number of South Carolinians she 
knows is the information she knows about them--their parents, 
grandparents, and children. In fact, Martha Payne, more than anyone I 
can think of, understands the relationships that make South Carolina a 
big, big family.
  Mr. President, we in South Carolina owe Martha Payne a huge debt of 
gratitude. It is a debt that I never will be able to repay. But what I 
can do is offer heartfelt appreciation for a job well done and my 
sincerest thanks for the 35 years of love, friendship, loyalty, and 
support. I wish her and Rob well in their years to come.


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