[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING BILLIE CARR ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Billie Carr of Houston for 
her abiding commitment to making our democracy work for all Americans 
as she celebrates her 70th birthday on June 1, 1998. Known fondly as 
``Boss'' and ``The Godmother'' Billie Carr is a political legend. She 
has been active in local, state, and national politics since 1952, 
influencing our nation's leaders at all levels and inspiring countless 
others to become involved in public service.
  A native Houstonian, Billie Carr started her political involvement in 
1952, working for candidates like Ralph Yarborough and Adlai Stevenson. 
She has been involved in every political campaign since, helping to 
elect candidates for every office from precinct chair to president.
  Billie was elected in 1954 to the Harris County Democratic Executive 
Committee from her precinct, a position she has held ever since. She 
served on the State Democratic Executive Committee from 1964 to 1966 
and remains an ex-officio member.
  In 1956, Billie started working with Mrs. R.D. ``Frankie'' Randolph 
and has offered a unique approach to organizing at the grassroots level 
ever since. As a thankful student and gracious mentor, Billie 
perpetuates that experience by presenting Frankie Awards to noted 
Democratic organizers every year.
  In 1972, Billie was elected to serve on the Democratic National 
Committee, and she was elected to her fifth term in 1992. The Southern 
Region of the Democratic National Committee elected Billie to represent 
them on the Executive Committee of the DNC in 1988. She was reelected 
in 1993, and continues to serve in that capacity today. She served on 
the National Resolutions Committee from 1984 to 1988, the National 
Platform Committee from 1983 to 1984, and the National Fairness 
Committee from 1984 to 1986.
  In all that she has done, Billie Carr has been a leader, organizer, 
and innovator. Known for her liberal politics, Billie is a charter 
member and organizer of the Harris County Democrats and the Texas 
Democrats.
  Billie Carr's activism and leadership have won her many well-deserved 
awards. She received the National New Democratic Committee's 
prestigious Eleanor Roosevelt Award in 1986. In 1987, she received the 
Harris County Democrats Lifetime Achievement Award. The Texas 
Democratic Women presented her with their certificate in 1992, and the 
National Federation of Democratic Women gave her their Star Award in 
1993.
  While many have benefited from the two books Billie has published, 
along with numerous articles and classes, there is no better way to 
learn about political campaigns than to work with her, as many have 
been so fortunate to do over the years. In addition to her many 
successful campaigns and the subsequent successes in public office of 
those she helped to elect, perhaps Billie Carr's most important legacy 
is the many campaign workers and volunteers who have been inspired by 
her to continue in public service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join Billie Carr's family and friends 
and all those she has inspired in honoring her on the occasion of her 
70th birthday and commending her on a lifetime of achievement. May the 
coming years bring good health, happiness, and time to enjoy her three 
sons, their families, and her grandchildren, as well as further 
political successes.

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