[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

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                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 1998

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, this week it was publicly disclosed that 
former Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire has Alzheimer Disease. 
Senator Proxmire, who had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. 
Senate, is a friend and mentor to me and many other Wisconsin citizens.
  Yet, he will probably be best remembered not for what he did in the 
Senate but by how he got here. Senator Proxmire was famous for his 
efforts to shake the hands of as many citizens of Wisconsin as 
possible, standing hours on end at the State Fair and outside the Green 
Bay Packers games.
  One year Senator Proxmire spent a total of $184 on his reelection 
campaign! Can you imagine a Senator spending only $184 on his 
reelection in today's political climate?
  Next week, I hope we will remember my friend and mentor, Senator 
William Proxmire, as we debate campaign finance reform. His example 
should make our decision easy.

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