[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RETIREMENT OF SENATOR DIRK KEMPTHORNE

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, six years seems too short a time for a 
man of Dirk Kempthorne's character to serve in the United States 
Senate. In the two years that I have been privileged to work with the 
Senator from Idaho, I have been impressed by both his considerable 
integrity and also his unwavering dedication to the citizens of Idaho 
and to his fellow countrymen. When I reflect upon Senator Kempthorne's 
tenure in the Senate, I will remember the traits that made him such a 
successful legislator. I will especially remember the thoughtful 
approach the the Senator used when addressing the pressing issues of 
the day. When Senator Kempthorne chose a course of action, every 
Senator could be certain that his decisions were guided by careful 
deliberation, broad consultation, and sincere prayer. Now, Senator 
Kempthorne has decided to return to his people of Idaho, offering to 
sere their interests closer to home. Selfishly, I and others will miss 
his quiet strength, his leadership in a pinch, his good judgment, and 
his deep faith. It has enriched all who have had the privilege of 
serving with him and, I must say, it has been a special source of 
strength to me. Dirk not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. His 
concern is for the least among us and his insights are superior. 
Whether he is in a small group meeting, a committee hearing, a 
leadership conference, a Bible study, or on the floor of the United 
States Senate, Dirk Kempthorne always reveals himself to be a man of 
integrity. This is so because he is one solid whole. He does not 
compartmentalize. What you see is what you get, from the surface to the 
center.
  Dirk has called us to higher things than mere public policy. He wants 
our government to make us better, not just richer and more powerful. 
His service in the Senate has been to that goal. He is both a humble 
servant of a higher calling, and an effective leader. We will miss that 
leadership and strength on issue after issue. We will miss even more 
his good example, his living proof that one can serve in public life 
and posses the richest qualities of a Christian gentleman. Dirk, we 
will miss you. You have made us better by your word, your manner, and 
your life. Our best wishes go with you. Godspeed Dirk Kempthorne.

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