[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9377-S9378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            WILEY K. CARTER

  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, the U.S. Senate lost one of its most 
colorful and well liked staff members last Thursday night when my 
administrative assistant, Wiley Carter, died. His sudden and unexpected 
death at 61 years of age following surgery at a hospital in Jackson, 
MS, has deeply saddened us all. He began his work with me as manager of 
my campaign for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in 
1974. In that turbulent election year, with his good assistance we 
received over 70 percent of the vote. After the election, Wiley joined 
my congressional staff in Mississippi where he served as my liaison to 
local governments and case worker. Two years later he became a member 
of my Washington staff and soon thereafter became my administrative 
assistant.
  During these 23 years of close association, I developed a deep 
appreciation for Wiley Carter. His warm good nature was constant, his 
loyalty never failing, and his enthusiasm an ever present inspiration. 
He was adept at handling constituents' problems, and he reminded all of 
us by his example that one of our highest priorities was to help solve 
the problems of the people of our State and to treat everyone who 
called on us with respect and courtesy. He really loved his job. He 
loved people. He loved politics. He loved campaigns. He loved 
Mississippi State University. But, most of all he loved his family. He 
cared about his children and his efforts to support and assist them in 
every possible way were well known.
  One experience with Wiley and his wife Gwen, and their children, and 
their extended family is particularly memorable for me. We were all in 
Starkville, MS celebrating the donation of his political memorabilia 
and papers to the Mississippi State University Library. The love the 
family members felt for each other was obvious to me, and the pride 
they had in seeing Wiley's career celebrated with such ceremony--well 
attended by many friends--was evidence of their deep appreciation of 
him. And, he loved every minute of it as he should have.
  One of his former classmates said to me, ``Where did Wiley get any 
papers? When he was in school at State, he didn't have any papers.''
  Of course, there were a lot of clippings, photographs, and letters 
that had accumulated over a career dating from the organization of the 
Mississippi Young Democrats in the 1950's and the Carroll Gartin and 
John Bell Williams campaigns for Governor, to the present.
  The skills he developed along the way led our mutual friend, Bill 
Simpson, to say to me recently, ``Wiley Carter in my book is the best 
street politician in Mississippi.''
  I didn't know whether that was such a high compliment or not until I 
told Wiley what Bill had said about him, and Wiley said, ``You know, 
that's one of the best compliments I've ever gotten.''
  In this day of cynicism about politics and government, more Wiley 
Carters would be good to have. People who devote their energy to doing 
their best to make our government respond to the needs of ordinary 
people and respect the opinion of average citizens.
  Wiley engendered good will wherever he went. He warmed our hearts, 
and he put a smile on our faces.

  Without Wiley, life will not be as interesting, and political 
campaigns won't be the same either. He would say, for example, ``In a 
campaign, if you haven't heard a rumor by noon, you ought to start 
one.'' Wiley organized a War Room before Lee Atwater and James Carville 
made the term famous. He was so well-liked by so many in Mississippi 
and here in Washington too. A Capitol Hill policeman, Andy Anders, was 
one of the first Washington friends whom I called on Friday morning. 
Andy had taken his vacation a few years ago to come visit Mississippi 
at Wiley's suggestion, and Wiley gave him the royal treatment. They 
walked up to the State Capitol. The legislature was in session. He 
introduced him to Gov. Kirk Fordice, the Speaker of the House, and many 
others. Of course Andy was impressed and delighted.
  That says a lot about Wiley and his capacity and his sense of duty to 
reciprocate true acts of friendship and kindness.
  There will never be another one like him. We all are so fortunate 
that we have had the benefit of his unique insights into human nature 
and his example of loyalty to his friends and family.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I join my colleague to express my sadness at 
the loss of our friend and Thad's administrative assistant, Wiley 
Carter. I extend my sympathy to Senator Cochran and his staff, and 
certainly to the family and all the many friends that Wiley Carter had 
in Mississippi.
  Senator Cochran did a wonderful job of talking about his indomitable 
spirit. He was a lovable guy, a great pleasure to be around. He was a 
friend of mine. And on many occasions when I needed advice and counsel, 
I can remember seeking out Wiley Carter. He did always have good 
spirits. I have never seen anybody who actually enjoyed Government and 
politics, which is the art of Government, any more than Wiley Carter. 
He was dedicated to maintaining an America in which we want our 
children to grow up. I am not the only person to note that more Wileys 
would serve us all well.
  In the initial part of his 40-year career, Wiley worked for the 
State's economic development department, the Mississippi Democratic 
Party, former Lt. Gov. Carroll Gartin and former U.S. Representative 
John Bell Williams of Mississippi. But it was during his 23-year stint 
as Senator Cochran's administrative assistant that people throughout 
Mississippi knew him best.
  Wiley spent much of that time criss-crossing our State, listening to 
its citizens, and working on Thad's behalf to carry out their mission. 
People trusted Wiley. They were comfortable sharing their concerns with 
him, and they knew that their words would go straight to Thad's ear.
  Thad and I were not the only ones who counted on Wiley's knowledge. 
Very few people knew more about Mississippi politics than Wiley, and in 
past years, few young political hopefuls in our State have considered a 
run for office without first consulting him. He also provided advice 
and perspective for many who had been around for quite a while, and he 
did it with his infectious smile and sense of humor.
  His wit always seemed to put political life in perspective. While 
running Senator Cochran's Senate race, Wiley

[[Page S9378]]

quipped, ``In a campaign, if you haven't heard a good rumor by noon, 
you better start one.'' Needless to say, Wiley knew how to have fun in 
serious situations, and he always got the job done.
  Wiley's outstanding work and invaluable knowledge were not the only 
reasons he was well loved by Mississippians. Many benefited from his 
tireless work as an ambassador for his beloved Mississippi State 
University. Wiley was a servant of the people, and he was one of them.
  He is best described as the kind of person who never met a stranger 
or knew an enemy. He reached out to individuals at all levels, and his 
friendliness was contagious. Quite simply, everyone liked Wiley.
  I understand that the church in Jackson couldn't hold all those who 
showed up yesterday to pay tribute and show appreciation for Wiley. To 
anyone whose life he touched, this is no surprise.
  There is not a story that can be told or a memory brought to mind 
about Wiley that wouldn't bring a smile to the faces of those who knew 
him, which is a tribute in itself to his character. Wiley will be 
sorely missed, but more importantly, he will be fondly remembered.
  I am sure all my colleagues in the Senate join me in extending 
condolences to the members of his family, to his friend Senator 
Cochran, and to the many others who loved him.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I know we all join in expressing those 
feelings about Wiley. They were so adequately and eloquently expressed. 
We appreciate that.

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