[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12153-S12154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RETIREMENT OF SENATOR WENDELL FORD

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, Kentucky is famous for many things, 
including its bourbon and the Derby, but what I have come to associate 
most with the ``Bluegrass State'' over the past 24-years is Senator 
Wendell Ford, who I regret to note is leaving the Senate at the end of 
the 105th Congress.
  Senator Ford is a man with a deep and unwavering commitment to public 
service. He served in the United States Army during World War II and 
continued his military service as a member of the Kentucky National 
Guard. He has held elected office at both the state and federal levels, 
holding the titles of

[[Page S12154]]

state senator and governor before being elected to the United States 
Senate in 1974.
  Each of us understands that our primary job as Senators is to make 
the law, but many of us also believe that we should use our offices to 
help the people of our states. This is a sentiment that Senator Ford 
and I share, and over the years, my friend from Kentucky has worked 
tirelessly to help his state develop and prosper. While Kentucky, like 
South Carolina, is still a largely rural state, thanks in no small part 
to the efforts of Wendell Ford, the people of Kentucky are enjoying 
opportunities and economic growth that has been substantial.
  During his time in Washington, Senator Ford has held a number of key 
positions, both in the Senate and in political organizations. His 
leadership roles as an Assistant Leader and a former Committee Chairman 
stand as testament to both his abilities and the regard in which he is 
held by his peers.
  I am certain that Senator Ford did not easily come to the decision to 
retire, but I am certain that he and his lovely wife Jean are looking 
forward to their new life. I wish both of them health, happiness and 
success in whatever endeavor they undertake.

                          ____________________