[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E368-E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LATE ALEX A. HAUGHT, FEBRUARY 17, 1964-MARCH 3, 1999--
             REMEMBERING HIS LIFE, SERVICE, AND FRIENDSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to remember our friend, 
Alex Haught, for there is so much to remember.
  I remember when I hired Alex. I already knew a lot about him, his 
reputation preceded him: law degree, fund-raiser, a great people 
person, he knew the issues, he was vastly experienced with an excellent 
political network. And, based on the things I knew about Alex, I hired 
him.
  But those are not the things I remember the most.
  I remember how likable he was. He was a great listener. He possessed 
a gentle sweetness in his character. He genuinely cared about people 
and had friends in every walk of life. I remember that Alex loved to 
hunt and fish. When I took him fishing, he caught the biggest fish. He 
loved his dogs, Truman and Scout, he loved his old Bronco, and the 
outdoors. I remember Alex as a country boy working in big cities.
  I remember his infectious laugh, his loyalty, his compassionate and 
easygoing manner and his patience. Alex was very unselfish. He was 
funny. He was tough. He was sensitive.
  His tastes were simple. Alex loved music and sports. Most of all, 
Alex loved his family and his friends.
  I trusted, respected and counted on Alex Haught. I loved Alex. As did 
people in the White House. So did people in White House, Tennessee.
  I remember my great faith in Alex Haught--such faith that I placed a 
large responsibility for my own political future directly on his 
shoulders, because you could place that kind of faith in Alex. He 
accomplished more in a

[[Page E369]]

brief life than most people could in several lifetimes, and he had a 
lot more to give.
  I will miss my friend Alex Haught deeply and I will always remember 
him.
  I will remember the sense of calm assuredness that Alex imparted 
every day, over and over. He believed in me and he believed in each of 
you, even when we disappointed him. I will remember Alex's comfort 
dealing in the highest circles of power and his discomfort and power's 
pretentious trappings. I will remember his approach to solving problems 
and how he dealt with people. I will remember how Alex built bridges.
  Most important of all, I will always remember how Alex, even on the 
busiest day, stopped to smell the roses. Politics is a difficult and 
demanding profession. Most days we race from one meeting to the next. 
You take one call while two are on hold and can work with someone for 
years without learning anything significant about them as a person.
  But not Alex. He didn't walk up to your desk, state his business and 
leave. Alex sat in the chair and talked about life for a while first. 
He had a rare ability that made you want to tell him your deepest 
secrets. He would listen and he would listen some more. And, there was 
always a hint of humor even in the darkest hour. Alex loved life. And 
somehow, being around Alex always made you enjoy life more too.
  The clock might be ticking on a critical vote in history, but it was 
never so important that Alex couldn't stop to ask about the latest on 
the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team. A deadline might 
be imminent, but not so pressing Alex couldn't share a joke, or a quick 
burger, or take your phone call.
  Tennessee has lost a true leader. Our Nation has lost a bright young 
mind full of ideas and possibilities. And, I have lost a friend.
  Alex Haught's legacy is stamped on our political system and in our 
individual hearts.
  I miss him deeply. And Alex, I will always, always remember.

                          ____________________