[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12303-S12304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A GOOD SENATOR RETURNS TO THE HILLS OF HOME

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, over the next few days, as the Senate 
concludes its legislative business, one of the finest individuals it 
has been my privilege to know will bring to a close yet another chapter 
in what has been, by any measure, an extraordinary public service 
career. When that time comes--when the senior Senator from the 
Commonwealth of Kentucky walks out of this chamber for the last time as 
a United States Senator--this institution, and all who serve in it, 
will feel a great and lasting loss.
  When Wendell Ford came to this body on December 28, 1974, thus 
becoming the 1,685th individual to have served in the Senate, he did so 
not as a political neophyte but as an accomplished entrepreneur and a 
dedicated and seasoned public servant. Following service in World War 
II, our friend from Kentucky returned to his home state and launched a 
successful insurance business. But it was the call of public service, 
the chance to reach out and help all of his fellow Kentuckians, that 
meant the most to this young executive.
  And, so, in 1964, Wendell Ford began what was to become a successful 
political career by winning election to the Kentucky State Senate. Two 
years later, in 1966, he successfully ran for the position of 
Lieutenant Governor, and, in 1970, against all odds, he became 
Kentucky's Governor, a position from which he served with distinction 
as the chairman of the National Democratic Governors Caucus.
  Mr. President, despite his selfless service within his state, it is, 
of course, the near quarter-century he has spent here in the United 
States Senate that has earned Wendell Ford the admiration, the respect, 
and the undying affection of his colleagues. And, having been elected 
to four terms in the Senate, it is obvious that the good people of 
Kentucky also understand and appreciate the skill, the dedication, and 
the flawless integrity that Wendell Ford brings to his work. He serves 
Kentucky and the Nation with a wit and candor that are as timely and as 
refreshing as a cool Kentucky breeze on a hot summer day.
  In fact, in 1992, he began a string of historical achievements when 
he received the largest number of votes ever recorded by a candidate 
for elected office in the state of Kentucky. On November 14, 1996, 
Wendell Ford broke Alben Barlkey's record for the longest consecutive 
service in the United States Senate as a Senator from the Commonwealth, 
while becoming the overall longest serving Senator from Kentucky in 
March of this year.
  Mr. President, such milestones are not just proud, personal moments, 
although they are that. Rather, they speak to the immense respect, and 
the tremendous trust that the citizens of Kentucky have for their 
distinguished senior Senator. Of course, to those of us who know 
Wendell Ford, such respect and trust are not unfounded.
  As a Member of this body, Senator Ford has become a recognized leader 
in such diverse areas as aviation, federal campaign finance reform, and 
energy. He has, through dedication and hard work, shaped such important 
legislation as the National Voter Registration Act, the Federal 
Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994, the Family and 
Medical Leave Act, the National Energy Security Act of 1992, and the 
Energy Security Act of 1977.
  The commitment shown by our colleague from Kentucky in working on 
these and other profound and troubling problems that face this Nation 
is emblematic of the devoted public servant that Wendell Ford has shown 
himself to be. There will be few who will match the accomplishments of 
our friend; few who will bring to this body a deeper passion; and few 
who will legislate with greater skill.

[[Page S12304]]

  Mr. President, as he prepares to leave the Senate, I offer my sincere 
gratitude to Senator Wendell Ford for his professionalism, for his 
friendship, for his leadership, for his candor, and for his many years 
of dedicated service to our Nation. I would also like to express my 
admiration, and that of my wife, Erma, to Wendell's gracious and 
dedicated wife, Jean. Few know, of course, of the tremendous sacrifices 
made by our spouses. But those of us who serve in this body understand 
the price paid by these selfless, silent partners. None has done so 
with greater dignity, or with more grace, than has Jean Ford.
  And, so, I say to my friend from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I have 
treasured the time we have worked together, and I wish him good luck 
and God's speed. He is coming home.

       Weep no more, my lady,
       Oh! weep no more to-day!
       We will sing one song for the Old Kentucky Home,
       For the old Kentucky Home far away.

       ``My Old Kentucky Home,'' Stephen Collins Foster, 1826-
     1864.
  Mr. KEMPTHORNE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Idaho.

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