[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ROBERT P. CASEY: LIBERAL

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2000

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, the June 5, 2000 Washington 
Post contained an excellent column by Mark Shields concerning Robert P. 
Casey, entitled ``A Conservative in Name Only.''
  The column points out the progressive nature of Bob Casey's reign as 
Governor of Pennsylvania from 1987-1995. During this time, Shields 
writes, Governor Casey enacted a Children's Health Insurance Program 
which mandated early intervention and coverage for every child until 
age 5, rebuilt the state water supply system, chose more women cabinet 
members than any other Governor at the time, appointed the nation's 
first African American woman to a state Supreme Court, and brought 
family and parental leave to the state.
  So with this record, why is he considered a conservative? Because he 
happened to be strongly anti-abortion in a party that is strongly pro-
choice. Thankfully, our party has come a long way since those days in 
terms of tolerance for other views on this and other issues, and 
therefore it should no longer be the case that one issue should 
entirely overwhelm a public official's lifetime public record.
  Robert P. Casey was an effective public servant and improved the 
lives of thousands of families in his state. He is survived by his wife 
and children, and many, many of us who will think of him fondly, and 
with great respect for what he stood for.




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